A SOLDIER’S TEARS

When a soldier cries, the tears are real
No false sadness, tears are not a bargaining tool
Once in a while, he has to show he does feel
If he lets the tough exterior fall, don’t call him a fool
It takes a lot, something to tear at his heart
An innocent child, orphaned and dying is his arms
In a blood soaked country being torn apart
Firing range from a forest, battlefields on the farms
Seeing his comrades, his brothers dying alone
Unable to help or save them, he must go on
Fighting against the evil he has been shown
Giving it all he’s got, praying for the battle to be done
He hides his fear, his buddies do too
Wishing it was over, waiting for the fight to be through
He can’t be scared or weak, so he pretends to be mad
Mail call though might bring a tear to his eye
A letter from a sweetheart or his mama dear
He closes his eyes and in memory he does fly
Far from war and hate to where his family is near
The words of love fill him with pride
Knowing someone’s on their knees praying for him tonight
If only for a moment, there is a warmth inside
A tear slips out, his pain and loneliness are in sight
The other guys don’t laugh, point or stare
They can’t blame him for the way he feels
War is hell they know, they have all been there
So many begged God, making promises and making deals
His strength renewed, his courage now back
Back to work fighting for someone he’ll never meet
The boy who became a man silently shoulders his pack
The only sound is the marching of tired feet
One day at a time until his tour is complete
Fighting the enemy at day and inner demons at night
Holding onto hope, sanity and faith is no easy feat
But he’s a soldier and he won’t give up the fight



Copyright ©2005  Leah Hall Slootweg