Private funeral

 Arrogant proud Colonel organized the spectacle funeral
Casket slowly sinking into the mud like a mule resigned to it's death
Privates and I had to stick arms into mud and remove logs and rocks
Allowing the coffin to sink smoothly down into the soupy mess

Above the large headstone we placed a trophy of bronze
Honor is the highest attainment all else is worthless
Later that night whisky dazed we would salute the lie
We would conduct this awkward burial more a sinking

The speeches in the wooden floor halls above the swamp
booming out glorious stoic platitudes, goosebumps and standing ovations
None of the words they used described the soldier we knew and loved
The man who dies during routine maintenance of a vehicle

Now inside a cheap casket whose lid wouldn't shut properly
Our nails couldn't close the gaps ripe stench attacking our senses
Yellowish custard mud entering the box as we push it down
Surfacing burping bubbles spashing drops of mud over tears

Back in the hall administrators made exaggerated claims of heroism
To this obedient grunt who wore the same dull expression as us
Excited by the mundane sports team victories and old pop songs
lazy when permittted unrestrained when drunk

Television crews and their military aides shouted us out of the way
Sending us, the only real friends of the man home