IN MEMORIAM
A little while ago
He was here.
We heard his sudden laughter,
Full and clear.
We touched his hand, his shoulder,
And all around this place
We felt the warm good-nature
In his face.
We bantered, and we knew
Each other through,
As men who live for long
Together do.
He shared our homesick days
And we broke bread
Beside him, wordlessly.
Now... he is dead.
Sleep softly
In the jungle, brother,
Rest on the rich dark breast
Of Earth, our mother.
The hollong tree
Lifts proud and high
Above the uncharted spot
Where now you lie,
And shrill the alien parrot calls.
Within that sunless gloom
Where no foot falls.
But down the years before us
We shall keep
Your gift of laughter,
Sleep quietly, brother,
Long... and deep.
- By Sgt. SMITH DAWLESS
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