It was a day like any other. 

And yet it was unlike any other day.

The birds sat in the branches of the trees, yet they made no song, nor did they stir.

The fish swam in their pool, yet they did not jump in trying to reach the sky.

The sky was gray, the clouds heavy with the tears they would soon shed over the family of him who had died. 

The townspeople went about their business, but they did not sing with cheery voices.

All was still, except for the occasional gong of the church bells, telling all of their grief for the young soldier.

He had founght long and hard, but his health kept him from doing what he liked best.

I stood, bidding a final farewell as they covered the grave, amongst those who loved him.

"Farewell, my dear brother."