Take The Field
David Nicastro


I remember my brother throwing balls through the tire till it was time to go to bed
I'd kick the ball instead
it was no surprise to anyone he would lead our high school football team
To state when he was seventeen

In the tunnel heard the pads and cleats
Family and friends were sitting in the seats
I still see his pass cutting through the air
Dad held his breath mom was saying a prayer
Things seem brighter under Friday night lights
I kicked the extra point through the uprights
Helmets in hand some of us kneeled
In celebration we’d take the field

Nothing last forever after high school we’d go our separate ways
Leave behind our glory days
For country and honor we'd trade in our ball and cleats for rifles and boots
And join the other recruits

I chose the sea land and sky
He was all ooh rah and semper fi
Had new brothers standing side by side
Brought together by our choice and pride
Marching in step to the left to the right
Showed us how to shoot and taught us how to fight
On that fateful night truth would be revealed
Sargent said men now take the field

In another land most have never known his true heart would be shown
You're always trying to get home
The letter said he was a credit to the corps was first one through the door
As he did so many times before


I miss my brother was all I could think
Rifles three times fired in perfect sync
Mom held the folded flag tight to her chest
One by one walked up our country's best
It was written on every soldier’s face
Each one of them would have taken his place
The last man pounded in his trident shield
Arms in salute they'd take the field