Taken

By: Tiffanie Helterbrand

I don’t understand, how it all happened so fast.

You have always been my rock

So strong, so brave.

I often think of your memories, you shared with me.

My fingers brush across your Purple Hearts.

And I remember you fighting in World War II.

How you were a great leader.

My eyes move along the wall

And my gaze stops at the American Flag.

Perfectly folded, encased in a triangular box

Of wood and glass.

I see the flag now, being laid gently in Granny’s hands

At your graveside.

I wonder,

How could you have survived

Gunfire, shrapnel, and the turmoil of war.

To only be taken from us, by a good Christian man

Driving home to his family.