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MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

Soldiers and Friends
One dead, one alive, both forever free,
Two women who've served us overseas.
Both are beloved, both soldiers true,
Both with hearts red, white, and blue.

Lori was Hopi, born last of four,
Mascot, softball star, and much, much, more.
Catholic, Commander of ROTC,
Daughter, sister, single mother, and free.

She left her children and those she held dear.
She righted her shoulders, she swallowed her fear.
She marched to her fate, her head held high.
She fought like a soldier and hence she died.

What more, than her life, can a soldier give?
She died as a soldier as she chose to live.
With strength, and dignity, and bravery too.
She gave her all for red, white, and blue.

Jessica and Lori had become fast friends,
Fated to come to different ends.
Their origins were similar, of humble means.
This strengthened their ties, their bond was keen.

Jessica, was nineteen, a beauty bright,
For a chance to teach she was willing to fight.
And fight she did to the bitter end,
Her courage laid bare, her friends to defend.

To die with them was not fated that day,
In her foe's keep she was swept away.
Her body was broken, bloodied, and torn,
But her courageous heart was American born.

Her strength to remain upon this earth,
Was miraculous, stupendous, a second birth.
Our hearts soared high, upon her return.
From her fierce tenacity we all could learn.

Jennifer Whent