The Old Marine

The old Marine is weak and tired.
He's earned the right to rest.
His furrowed brow can now relax.
He's faced his final test.

His wrinkled hands appear at peace.
They clutch a wooden cross.
This old Marine knows all too well
that winning follows loss.

I watch him take his final breath.
Then peacefully he's gone.
A long awaited victory
at last has finally come.

And like that Iwo Jima mount
where brave men raised a flag,
a banner flies in Heaven now
as all the angels brag

about redemption's victory
as blood ran down a hill
when one brave man gave up his life
in keeping with God's will.

With eyes of faith I see it all.
The old Marine's at peace.
As "Semper Fi" jumps from his lips,
he finds his soul's release.

* In the midst of grieving my dad's death this week, I found cause for joy. I was able to arrange for his memorial service to be held on November 10th, the 233rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. My dad would be so pleased.

You see, Edwin Asimakoupoulos was a proud Marine who was an honor guard at the Surrender Ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri that ended World War 2. This poem chronicles my dad's bravery fighting for freedom and his courage battling cancer. It also celebrates his victory over death and his entrance into heaven all because of Christ's sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.

Those who follow Jesus do not grieve without hope. Our hope in life and in death is based on a God who is always faithful. In joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health as long as we all shall live, He never fails. Semper Fi.