HONORING OUR VETERANS

I created this poem when I was in Basic Training years ago. It was my first attempt at poetry, but I wanted to get what was spinning in my head out. I hope you like it. (56 lines, not including the title)


AMERICAN SOLDIER

My future is uncertain
My life a fickle thing
I know not what will happen
What tomorrow is going to bring
I may be at home
Laughing with my Family
Or I may be going down a road
And get hit by an IED
Dangers around every corner
Rifles out the window
If I do not watch my back
I won't be home tomorrow
I made my choice to fight
Forever more to come
The leaning rest will be my place
If I give up and say 'I'm done'
My mother will cry
My father filled with grief
My brother all alone
Everyone in disbelief
But the fact remains
That I failed my country
For I am an American Soldier
To protect her is my duty
So I must fight and never quit
Never accept defeat
Pick up my fellow Soldiers
And put them on their feet
Always fighting and moving forward
Never a step back
To protect my friends and family
Press on with the attack
My future is uncertain
My life a fickle thing
I serve my country bravely
So when I die, all will sing
Loyalty to my country
Duty to protect my friends
Respect for all, friend or foe
Service that knows no end
Honor for all that it means
Integrity for what is right
Personal courage in everything
I carry these through the fight
This is what it means
To be a Soldier now
To defend that which we hold dear
And to teach those who follow how
Always keep up the guard
Never let it rest
For you never know when a foe
Will put you to the test
I am an American Soldier
I'll fight forever more
Harm my friends or country
I'll come and settle the score!