Veterans Day / Memorial Day Poem #266
Otis Willie PIO The American War Library
UNTITLED
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As a boy I rode my trike over sun-covered roads.
I watched cloud shapes while lying in fields of flowers and tall grass.
I swam in cool blue springs while watching my mother hang the wash.
I flew kites in swift summer breezes that carried leaves up to heaven.
I sang in church every Sunday, sitting between my mother and father.
I felt the love of the Lord in every thing around me.
I slept peacefully and soundly each night, knowing safety and security.
As a boy I did these things and wondered what life as a man would be like.
As a young man I steered my bike over rock covered roads.
I watched my friends taking interest in the news over seas.
I went to work each day worried about what tomorrow would bring.
I listened in church to the lists of my friends who weren't coming home.
I felt the love of the Lord, but wondered why this was happening.
I slept fitfully and worredly each night, missing my father.
As a young man I knew I had to do something.
As a soldier I rode in the tank over shell shocked roads.
I watched bombs falling while lying in muddy foxholes.
I waded in dirty red waters while watching my enemy around me.
I shot rifles and imagined the souls carried up to heaven.
I felt the love of the Lord but I was in hell.
I slept rarely and guiltily because I was still alive.
As a soldier I returned home to mourn my father, my friends, and my youth.
As a man I drove my car over asphalt roads free to go where I please.
I watched my children play in fields of flowers and tall grasses.
We swam in cool springs while watching their mother hang the wash.
We flew kites on breezy days and their laughter carried to heaven.
We sang in church every Sunday, me grateful to be able to sing as I please.
I felt the love of the Lord in every thing around me, but I still wondered why?.
I slept peacefully and soundly, except those nights when I would remember.
And the years went by, but I was still a soldier at heart.
As a veteran I am no longer in a hurry to drive my car.
My children have all grown and most of my friends have gone to glory.
I bathe in warm water while I remember those cool springs.
My laughter comes seldom now but I think my friends hear it in heaven.
I sing in church every Sunday when my old battered body can get there.
As I get closer to being with my Lord I feel Him close around me.
When I sleep I dream of my life and why I had a life and so many didn't.
I dream.... and then I'll fade. But as I fade I'll know that I made a
difference.
As I fade I realize the answer I've looked for. I now know why?
I am here so that you will remember. When you see my face you will remember.
I am here so that you will know why.
Written from the heart by Barbara Clegg
My father is Korean War vet
bj_c...@yahoo.com
More Poetry: http:/home.pacbell.net/amerhero/poems/poems.htm
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-- Otis Willie (Ret.)
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