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Open Poetry #39
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sewasham
Senior Member
since 2006-09-11
Posts 714
Oklahoma, USA

0 posted 2006-09-21 09:23 AM


The Soldier's Way

When my son was small he and his friends loved to play marines
A brown eyed soldier dressed up in his helmet and his jeans
I asked him why he always died whenever they would play
He just said “I saved my friends, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way”

As he grew up his Mom and I always wondered what he’d be
When he reached high school he enrolled in their ROTC
Once he had finished high school he enlisted without delay
I should have known it all along, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

When he had finished training and became a full marine
I was the proudest father that anyone had ever seen
A brown eyed soldier in full dress not a thread in disarray
Stood proudly there before me, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

He eventually got married to a beautiful young wife
And I asked if she was ready for a military life
She just smiled and hugged me tight as she fondly did convey
That nothing could make her prouder, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

One day he told us he must leave for a war had broken out
He wasn’t sure what started it or what it was about
His mother asked if there was any way that he could stay
He told her “Mom, it’s my duty”, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

She said “Son, it’s very dangerous, you could be killed you know”
He said “Mom, if we all stayed home there’d be no one left to go”
“Dad,” he said “If this war is right it’s not for me to say”
But I have to follow orders, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

Just recently his wife received a visit and a letter
Our son had died in combat and that there was not a better
Leader in all their company, and that on that fateful day
He’d bravely saved all of his friends, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

He left behind a sweet young wife and beautiful little son
We all are very proud of him and everything he’s done
My son did his duty and he is coming home today
In a flag draped wooden coffin, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

Some have asked if I’m angry that my only son had to die
I simply smile and shake my head and here is my reply
My friend take a look at all you have around you here this day
You have all of these lovely things, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way

My grandson looks just like his Dad in his helmet and his jeans
As he plays out with his buddies, pretending they’re marines
And when he falls and pretends to die, then I know right away
That he has just saved all his friends, ‘cause that’s the soldier’s way





* This was written for my uncle who lost his son in Vietnam


[This message has been edited by sewasham (09-21-2006 12:23 PM).]

© Copyright 2006 Stephen E. Washam - All Rights Reserved
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
1 posted 2006-09-21 11:17 AM


oh dear

I'm not sure what to say here...this just hit me square in the heart and left me speechless

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
2 posted 2006-09-23 09:31 AM


Your words are deep ~ and touch deeply. I read your poem in silent reverence while dreading what I feared would be the outcome.

Your uncle lost a son ~ and you a cousin. Vietnam ~ as do all wars ~ tragically claim the lives of so many men and women.

I commend you on a fine "peace" of writing and with how poignantly you shared your family's loss.

Love & Eternal Light,
EA

aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
3 posted 2006-09-23 05:57 PM


Your poem touched my heart deeply.  It is one that will linger with me.  Thank you.

aziza

D.Lester Young
Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1219
Austin, Tx
4 posted 2006-09-23 08:36 PM


This is one hell of a tribute, much enjoyed.
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