"A Long Way Home"

"The American Soldier"

The day I went to war
I remember Dads words -
"Son! - Never run away
or turn your back in fear.

Honour your rights
to defend our land
for liberty as planned
by our constitution.

Stand firm in support
of your Sergeant Major
who struts upon the hill
with words of command -

Dig in deep do not stray
for fear of dying here.
Set the cannons high
and fire to conquer."

Now too late to hope
I see a flame falling
dancing from the sky
exploding around me,

my friends dying in a row
not knowing where to go
to find a place of peace
buried away in heaven.

Sergeant Mayor standing proud
stumbling still upon the hill
tries to wave a salute but fails
for me to know - Fire at will.

I see the hill is torn
for the wind to mourn
as I lie bleeding in a prayer
where will they bury me?

In memory of all the troops
who never turned their backs
but went to fight this war
to save families back home.