Old Soldier by Barbara Hill of Buchanan

Barbara Hill of Buchanan is a published poet, both in book and magazines. She calls herself the “Grandma Moses of Poetry.” Enjoy this truth about older veteran’s on this Veteran’s Day 2019. Her brothers Bill Proffitt and Ken Proffitt served in the military.

Old Soldier

by Barbara Hill

I went into a restaurant one day,

And what did I see?

There was a veteran alone like me.

He had a cap upon his head,

and as he turned, this is what I read.

World War II, then Korea.

He sure did his part, in order to make us free.

I went over to him, to shake his hand,

To tell him Thanks for defending our Land.

He looked at me, and said with a smile,

That’s wonderful to hear, it’s been awhile,

My wife is dead, and I live alone.

Most of my friends are also gone.

The nicest thing, I have heard today

Is thanks for your service, so please stay.

Talk to me, so I won’t be alone,

For all my war buddies are already gone.

–Story and photo by Cathy Benson. Poem by Barbara Hill