01 Apr 2003
I sensed there was a problem,
I saw it in his face,
until this day he had worn red boots,
now black ones took their place.
He had worn red boots to my home,
they always made me laugh.
All of the children loved his red boots,
why the change to black?
He wore red boots when he visited me in the hospital,
he wore them around the town,
now black ones were on his feet,
and the reason I had not found.
His sermon was short and sweet,
I remember it well.
He spoke of our men at war,
and the stories they could tell.
At the back of the church I saw men in uniform,
I had a hopeful thought.
Maybe my brother will be home soon,
I'll tell him what I have been taught!
I learned to read this year,
I'm sure he'll be impressed.
I can't wait to see him,
I hope he got lots of rest.
Maybe he will know why the Priest is not wearing his red boots,
and why he changed to black.
I bet he'll figure it out,
he's smart you know, everyone knows that!
I wonder what is in the box located at the front of the church?
No one has told me yet.
Why is everyone so sad today, could it be they don't like black?
At the Cemetery the people all filed in.
They hugged me as they passed.
Is this my brother who they talk about?
Is he really home at last?
The honor guard gave a 21-gun salute,
my dad held me ever so tight.
The soldiers gave my mom a flag,
after folding it just right.
I realized then that my brother was home for good,
he had made the long trip back.
No reservation for travel home,
no airline ticket required.
They say he is a hero,
along with many more.
I know this to be true, you see,
I figured it out long before.
Written by Diane Murray, one of Brian Horinek's sisters
28211 Hardin Store Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354
geomurr@attglobal.net
