A soldier pointed his gun, at a man who stood on desert sand.

He fired and the man fell but someone else died.

Old glory waved in the wind.

Seven rifles, three volleys, and the bugler blew loudly.

Old men with deep scars rose to their feet.

Mechanical salutes ensued.

Civilians held their hands over their hearts.

Some wept in their SUVs.

Everyone stopped and stood like pillars.

And god looked the other way.

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