(Inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, Washington, D.C.)
"Here..." beneath the hallowed ground, marked by a solemn white stone carved with symbols and inscriptions, overlooking fields dotted with white crosses and shaded by boughs heavy with spring blossoms "Rests..." peacefully still, regardless of the puzzlement felt by the world, questions of family, identity, and background, bodies in eternal sleep, souls at peace "In honored glory..." loved by the thousands who come each day to shed their tears as the lone bugle sends the crystal notes of taps ringing out over the countryside "An American soldier..." much like those whose polished heels click and gloved hands slap rifle butts in the timeless ceremony performed with the utmost precision and respect "Known but to God..." for that is all that matters.
Begun April or May, 1990 - Completed and revised March, 1991, after a visit to Washington, D.C., Easter Weekend, 1990.
Author: Allison (Larkin) Schiding, Ephrata, PA. Copyright © 1991, All Rights ReservedAllison is the daughter of Kevin Larkin, Vietnam Veteran US Army, 1st Inf. Div, 2nd Bn, 16th, VN 69-70.
"My daughter Allison is 23, graduate of Millersville University, and married... (also very cute and smart, too, but I'm really prejudiced...)." Kevin Larkin (This poem was submitted by Kevin for his daughter Allison.)
