Put the ball cap on the hook by the back screen door You won't be needing it anymore The glove, the bat and the softball too They go in the trunk at the end of your bed Take the old pickup out one last time Ride down the lane to the lakeside Smile at the memories of summers past Remember them, they'll always last Back at the house through the kitchen door Smells of fried chicken, a favorite of yours Friends/family gather around to eat Words murmered softly, sighs slow escape Dad stands up straight and stoic Your girl smiles faintly, wipes a tear from her eye Soon it's time to get on that rickety bus Mom and sis will try not to fuss A new place, standing on strange shores There's fear that cuts right to the core Struggle to go on, fight to the end You've got a job to do, you do it well Back at home it's a lazy summer day Mom watches two men walk up the path The letter flutters to the kitchen floor You won't be coming home anymore JLE Memorial Day2011 Photo taken along State Highway 6 in Utah