Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I wrote the following poem after returning from a particularly "challenging" mission.
I’m a man whose been torn in two;
giving all to my family and the job that I must do.
It is my hope that one day they will understand,
it is for them that I fight in this foreign land.

I fight for a peace that I may never see;
but to do nothing will lead to anarchy.
I hope against all hopes that we are right;
for a lasting peace, this is why we fight.

I look ahead and stare into the hollow;
I look behind me and see that my brothers, they follow.
We walk on knowing not friend from foe;
seeing the stare of death that only we can know.

Our fear of the grave long since passed;
as a childhood dream that was never meant to last.
We live now not in a world of fantasy,
but rather in the gravest of reality.

I pray only for a tomorrow, for it is guaranteed to none.
“Dear God, courage grant me. This I ask, Your humble son.”
“And if in the morning I shall rise,
onward shall I march toward the prize.”

Legions of angels gather ‘round about me;
for in His name, my enemies shall flee.
His shield I bear in battle as I go;
filled with a peace only His children will ever know.

And if on the field of battle my blood is shed,
these things I ask about me be said:
To my family, my God and my country I was true;
a man of my word, just as my father taught me, as he was too.

That I gave my life in the same way that it was lived,
in service to others, giving all that I could give.
That I left behind the most noble legacy,
a life lived for others, being all that I could be.

12 comments:

Stacy said...

Beautiful Poem. It brought tears to my eyes.

CJ said...

So beautiful. I don't think there's any question as to what kind of man you are. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

WOW!! What a powerful poem from a brave soldier. When I read your posts, I really believe that you have been given a gift as a writer. You have my upmost respect & appreciation for what you do for our country and the stand you so boldly take. May God guide you home quickly & safely.

Barb said...

A truly lasting peace may take years, but your daughters will cetainly know that their father made a difference in the world, along with all of your brothers and sisters in uniform. I'm thankful that God grants you the courage every day to keep moving towards that prize.

Lynnette In Minnesota said...

Others have already said it, but I have to say it again. That was beautiful.

Thank you.

dyzgoneby said...

Absolutely Beautiful!!! Thank you for all that you have done for us here at home. You are a true Marine through and through.

Semper Fi!

Anonymous said...

That was a very powerful poem! You have the heart of a poet within the warrior-can't get much better than that!
I am truly thankful for what you and all who serve do every single day. You are thought of and prayed for. May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand till you come safely home.

DangerGirl said...

Absolutely beautiful, and extremely evocative.

*wipes away tears*

Anonymous said...

Amen!

God Bless You and Yours.

Anonymous said...

Your poem is so moving. I cried the first time I read it. May I have your permission to pass this along to the family of Lcpl Jacob Spann. He was with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He died on February 6th. Thank you.

America's Son said...

CherylFriend,

Please pass it and anything else I write to whomever you wish. Please tell LCpl Spann's family that they have my respect and condolence as well. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for sharing this poem. This is outstanding. I was informed yesterday that one of my dearest friend's husband was KIA Sunday 19 March 2006. I will be attending his funeral at Arlington National Cemetary. With yor permission, I would like to give her this poem. I would also like to credit properly. I can provide the link to your blog; however, if you would be so kind as to email me your name, or just last name, etc., or anything that would credit you, I would deeply appreciate it. My email is sobelle78@yahoo.com.

Thank you in advance for anything you might provide so I can properly present this to her in honor of her husband. Thank you for your service to our country.

I cannot yet release any information due to OPSEC/PERSEC; however, once the paper near his duty station publishes something, I can provide that to you.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bunny