Bury Me With Soldiers

I’ve played a lot of roles in life;
I’ve met a lot of men.
I’ve done some things I’d like to think
I wouldn’t do again.

And though I’m young, I’m old enough
To know that someday I will die,
And think about what lies beyond,
Beside whom I should lie.

Perhaps it doesn’t matter much;
Still, if I had my choice,
I’d want a grave ‘mongst soldiers when
At last death quells my voice.

I’m sick of the hypocrisy
Of lectures by the wise.
I’ll take the man, with all his flaws,
Who goes, though scared, and dies.

The troops I know were commonplace:
They didn’t want the war;
They fought because their fathers, and
Their fathers, had before.

They cursed and killed and wept – God knows
They’re easy to deride-
But bury me with men like these;
They faced the guns and died.

It’s funny, when you think of it,
The way we got along.
We’d come from different worlds
To live in one where no one belongs.

I didn’t even like them all;
I’m sure they’d all agree.
Yet I would give my life for them,I hope;
I know some did for me.

So bury me with soldiers, please
Though much maligned they be.
Yes, bury me with soldiers, for
I miss their company.

We’ll not soon see their like again;
We’ve had our fill of war.
But bury me with men like them
Till someone else does more.

Rev. Charles R. Fink
(Former SGT. 199th Lt. Inf Brigade, Vietnam 69-70)