I stood beside the grave of a good man
And listened to the bugle’s cry.

Here was a noble life
Full of years and many friends,

And here we laid his body down.

At rest.
But not to sleep.

The part of him that lived
Lives on.

This is not a passing,
But a change.

There was no falling asleep,
But a final awaking.

Not a stumble,
But a swift step to Glory.

In memory of Charlie Mathews (1922-2014)