An old poem...

While cleaning recently, I ran across an old poem that I wrote several years ago, during a time in the country where the out cry over the war was a hot topic and voting had just become available in countries that hadn't had it before. I decided I would share it and see what others thought. I would also like to voice that I do not condone war, nor do I believe all that are enlisted in the armed forces serving this country have the same feelings as expressed in this poem. I wrote this from one perspective on a very controversial topic and mean no disrespect or offense to any persons. I do, however, support our troops and appreciate the great sacrifices that they go through to help protect my rights as an American citizen. Please remember, I am not a poet by any means...this is just something I wrote and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy it.

The Soldier arrived home wearied and dusted

What happened to the country he so loved and trusted?

Could they not see the happiness brought

or the good of the battles the brave warriors fought

in countries far way to bring freedoms long overdue

basic human rights, safety & a sense of pride to their people too?

It saddened his heart to be so betrayed

How could they see conflict & injustice and not step into the fray?

He himself had given up every thing

and still the critics watched from the wings

of our country that soars high and sleeps deeply through the night;

Many not willing to put up the fight

Could they only see the anger of some over all?

Could they not see the evil and inequality fall?

Or the happy faces of the people who went to vote

for the first time in decades allowed to hope

of a better day when freedom rules

with no fear of their children being raped or used as tools

of mass destruction and hate

hoping, perhaps now they had a better fate?

The soldier cried as he thought "where's the justice in this?"

and holding tight to his family in bliss, giving his strong & patient wife a passionate kiss

for the months at a time he's been missed

He cried bitterly for the people left behind

who still suffered from evil minds

He cried again as he counted his blessings

his wounds still seeping from beneath their dressings

and he cried again remembering one more stop he had to make

to the home of a friend whose life the enemy did take

to offer words of comfort tender & dear

to his friends' bereaved mother, through her sobs & tears

"It was worth it" he'd tell her

through kind eyes now wiser & older

"Don't believe everything you hear" he'd say

"what we did was good & gets better by the day"

"In the end, he did lose the fight,

but remember he did it because it was right"

The Soldier tattered and bruised

angered and upset by the hatred and abuse

that this fair country cried out

against his good works in selfish doubt

But he held his head high

and everyday the American Flag he did fly

knowing it mattered not what they said

he knew the truth & did the right thing instead