A Soldier

A former soldier expresses his feelings.

A SOLDIER

A soldier I was proud to be
I served my country loyally
asking nothing in return except
danger and adventure my reward

I've seen the horrors of the war
and felt the chill of fear
the pain of wounds suffered,
the loss of friends and comrades,
the desolation of towns and great cities,
and the suffering of the innocent
caught in a conflict not of their doing.

I volunteered for combat duty
knowing little of deaths I would see.
I grew older overnight, experience of tragic sights.
I came close to death so many times
I now thank God that I'm alive.

I wear my patriotism in my heart
like a badge of honor for my part
in the struggle for our way of life.
I will remember those GI friends
who paid the ultimate price, their reward
to keep our country free.

J. Burns - WW2