Dog Tags

They once tinkled with every move,
Sounding better than wind chimes to some men.
They once shone with dull persistence,
Yet appeared blindingly brilliant to the faithful.
One look gave all the knowledge needed,
A comforting presence kept close,
A witness to untold heroism and sacrifice,
A symbol containing his convictions and suffering.

Now they lay in silent reverence,
The chime silenced by service.
They shine only in dull remembrance,
The brilliance gone with the light of life.
The print the only hint left of the man’s past.
What was a comfort now an uncomfortable reminder,
Of an incredible loss.
Now they hang in mute monument,
With vague recollections of all that he was.
All the honor, dedication, and pride,
All the suffering, sacrifice, and pain,
Wrapped up in tags and chains.



Vincent W. Myers
Written 2002