That Was All He Said

“John Smith.”
“Yes, sir!” a youth answered, crutches by his side.
“David Robinson.”
“Yes, sir!” another answered, blood dropping from his forehead.
“Andrew Martin.”
“Andrew Martin.” No answer.
“He’s gone, sir,” a voice whispered.
The captain shook his head.
Many dead, more wounded. And their enemy outnumbered them by twice.
Now another one is gone.
“Did he say anything before passing away?” the captain asked.
“Yes,” responded the voice.
“‘Fight for the fragrance of flowers under the golden sun,
for our peaceful home in the quiet village,
for the laughter of girls and boys, for the smile on our mother’s face.
Fight for our homeland, for the Stars and Stripes, for our people and our nation.
I pass the torch to you.’ That’s all he said.”
Determined looks appeared on soldiers’ faces.
Later on that day, they destroyed the enemy, which was double size of theirs.
Andrew did pass the torch,
and poppies grew around his cross.