A Proper Burial

He spent the past few years
of his life alone inside
his one-bedroom apartment.
Television kept him company.
His wife’s
remains sat in a urn
atop the refrigerator.
Diabetes had ravaged
the 66-year-old Vietnam veteran's feet.
He had few visitors.
When he died inside his apartment,
few knew who he was
or that he had received a Purple Heart
as a medic in Vietnam.
He suffered from PTSD.
A funeral home donated
the casket in which he was buried.
The urn containing his wife's ashes
buried inside the casket with him.
A graveside service
with full military honors
A man
who served his country.
Proudly.
Buried with dignity and respect.
That's the least he deserved.