Salute

by Kirsten Trump

Finished college and got my rank.
Fortune’s friend—who to thank?
Walking through the hallowed halls,
Heavy burdens hold up these walls.
Wounded warrior—enlisted man–
I know you’d salute me if you can
It’s just that now—nothing is there,
Where your fingers once touched the air.
I know you’d stand to watch me pass,
If you had feet to touch the grass.
Brave young soldier—gave life and limb.
I really should be saluting him.

Kirsten Trump has a background in theater as an actor and director, and is a voice, speech and dialect coach and voiceover artist. She directs, coaches and teaches in the Division of Theatre at Shenandoah University. She is also an avid lover of poetry and a published lyricist, and works with her partner on his musical projects.