Here I Stand

By Daniel W. Hines

An Ode to honor the brave men and women of the United States Military who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Written by Daniel W. Hines

Here I stand in fields of white, the holy earth I trod.

I know no better place to be, no creation under God.

The gentle breeze that sweeps my nape, cools brow and dries lone tear. 

Blows swiftly o’er the iron gate and through the meadows of white trees here.

Here I stand, alone, on great green fields of freedom’s cost. Though not alone, but surrounded by my brothers and sisters lost. 

Taps has played and down they’ve laid another in the earth.

A father, mother, sister, brother a gift to all since birth.

Here I stand by luck or will, the watch I now will keep. 

Your memory is one I’ll treasure, in hard times your face I’ll seek.

The joy you brought into this world, your laughter still rings in ear.

It’s only silenced by your deeds and that is what we honor here.

Here I stand to remember those whose formation now I inspect.

Day by day standing tall in line, o’er silent watch is kept.

The trumpet softly sings a song to sound the day is done.

The fields of green turn swift to gold as sets the old day’s sun.

Here I stand on trembling knee, though tired I have become.

I march on for still you’ll see, my victory is not yet won.

Lend me your strength lest I fall, felled by some yonder stone.

With your help I can still stand strong, for I know I don’t stand alone.

Cause here I stand as I gaze out, through the haze of morning new.

The gentle breeze that sweeps my nape is a reminder that you’re here too.

The bright new golden sun shining radiant rays upon my face.

Is God’s way of saying to take joy, they have at last found peace and grace.

So here I stand on holy ground, where Patriots are found herein.

Here I stand to tell you brothers, I will see you again.

By Daniel W. Hines