A SOLDIER’S STORY

A SOLDIER’S STORY

So far from home,

Isolated in a land not his own,

Knowing she’s safe amidst the homeland shores,

He begins another letter to send her once more,

He pulls from his pocket her picture,

Nine months is a long time to be without her,

Especially knowing what this day is supposed to bring,

With unexpected knowledge, shots begin to ring,

He puts away the picture and pen,

Swiftly he gathers his Thompson,

While the shelling continues between his comrades he hunkers,

As night falls the intensity grows throughout the bunkers,

His fellow soldier hands him a cigarette,

Although smoking isn’t his thing, he gladly accepts,

Anything to ease the anxiety of this night,

The Allied Forces are preparing for a lofty fight,

His hands begin to tremble as the Germans near,

Yet he must remain stoic and show no fear,

For the men he leads are merely boys,

Though he’s the leader of men, he stays coy,

Brash arrogance will only get you killed,

He and his company await orders yet to be fulfilled,

They’re almost upon them, the bombardment of shells,

Finally orders are given through the outcry of yells,

With gun in hand above the trench he peers,

Only to be greeted by his deepest of fears,

Crimson red flows from the helmet upon his head,

The German boots march over the spot where he lay dead,

At the same time, an ocean apart,

Born is a girl with a healthy, beating heart.

Thank you to all who have served and fought today and in the past,

And may the memories of those who paid the ultimate price, forever last.

-brad