she stood there in a daze
by strangers surrounded
they had given her the folded flag
as the last post sounded
keepsake of a warrior
it had graced his casket top
she held it scarce knowing
as the bugle notes stopped
in reality she stood alone
for now every tear cried
for the moment in a daze
ashen faced and dry eyed
the ceremony over
they moved out of her life
they had given precious time
to a bereaved and grieving wife
with the ceremony played out
she was really due no more
so they left her there in silence
to carry on the planning of their war