---

C.E. Skilling

Roll On

I looked out the dinghy sliding windows
hoping to see something of my youth,
left behind
watching the old buildings slip by slowly
as the years seemed to peal from my mind
Roll slowly wheels of my old friend
quietly take me to the playgrounds of my youth
with fields filled with laughter
before all is finally shown to me as truth
Help me leave the battlefields far behind
as the others that rode this bus before
I see seats filled with passionate dreams
while my own hang on the hook by the door
Faces peer in, filled with solemn understanding
thinking of me, they salute, while holding a beer
They seem to seek truth from me
but I have naught, and their jostling fills me with fear
Have you seen my old friend Joey
did he make it home alright?
was there music, cake and watermelon
as he danced late into the night?
His girl friend Mary Jo
did she wait for him at home?
we talked a lot about her
he always feared that she might roam
Here comes the one to greet me
and welcome me back home
I fear to hear the words he’ll speak
before I lay beneath the loam
Rifle fire still rings in my ears
so handle me with care
I am not as you remembered
the young lad that left home for there
Roll on dear friend, roll on…
Then the shot and volley
as clear as a church bell toll
snapping me from deep concentration
leaving me here on this cold grassy knoll
I thought I heard another voice
mixed in with all the noise
it spoke to me of brotherhood and trust
telling me of all the other boys
Roll on dear friend roll on
remove me from this place
I have fear at what I know not
and recognition seems ready at my face
I see the buildings pass
and no longer the watching crowd
silence is my good companion
here within my hearse and shroud
Roll on dear friend, roll on
I now see it all so clear
it’s my time to finally exhale
and play in fields remembered dear