Soldiers For Love

A young fella walked into the bar
As big and pissed as a bull
Pulled up the stool next to me
Threw down a ten and ordered a double

A couple drinks in he started asking
"How do you leave a woman for nothing"
I kept quiet with my memory
While he went on with his story,
Then he turned toward me
I sat my drink down and said

"Son it's a tough mother
You'll get over it one way or another
You can't go on beatin' yourself
And put the whiskey back on the shelf"

"Son I know what ya feelin.
Back in '66 I left my love
Because it'd protect her if I died on 'Nam's tours
And you feel the same way about yours"

That youngin' looked back at the whiskey
He set it down and looked away
He paid his tab and before he left
He turned to me and said

"Thank you ol' timer, I never thought
That someone would understand
I'm shipping out soon to Afghanistan
Pray I return so we can talk some more"

I saw that young soldier again
In the newspaper a few months later
He gave his life for his country
And most of all for his beloved

We raised our glasses for a toast
And before I drank I saw a young
Lady that he described in tears
Hangin' on to his picture
I think she knew why he left her
He loved her as much as she loved him.

Author's Note

To all veterans thank you for your sacrifices. I hope this piece hit the nail on the head.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I have been to many funerals of good friends. The wife and kids did better then I did. I liked the story. I had a similar conversation the other day at work. A soldier who accepted his wounds and was waiting for death. I told him, he was a hero and please accept the help offered. He told me. He was alone and give organs that are needed to a family man. He could barely walk. I shook his hand and I knew. He was done. Just waiting for dearth. It is sad what we teach our children. Thank you my friend for sharing the powerful story.
Coyote

[Shaheesta]

A very heart touching story.