I see the Plain, the monuments
the Chapel on the hill
I feel the sorrow closing tight
I feel the deathly chill
The Cemetery lies ahead
beyond the open gates
We carry him with grieving hearts
to his final resting place.
The West Point earth is waiting
We are together praying
Taps is slowly playing
the final bugle call
But Frank’s not gone, he’s with us now
his Brooklyn laugh I hear
His crocodile smile shines ever bright
his sarcasm fills the air
His love for friends and family
his honor and spirit most pure
his courage and his thoughtfulness
will through the years endure
Surrounding Frank in soldier’s graves
their heroes lives complete
Thayer, Stillwell and Winfield Scott
rest in endless sleep
And too many classmates, gone too soon
Kevin, Jim , and Wayne
too many others whom we knew
who marched the timeless Plain
So many good men sleeping here
so many sons and brothers
so many of the Long Gray Line
gripping hands with one another.
The West Point earth is waiting
We are together praying
Taps is slowly playing
the final bugle call
Terry McCarthy ‘62
West Point Cemetery, May 15, 2008