Soldiers Such As These

This was for a woman I worked with. Her son was among the first Marines to enter Iraq. She hadn't heard from him for weeks when she caught a glimpse of him in a clip on CNN one evening.

Brave soldiers face the enemy

In a country far from home

Fighting for the freedom

Of a people they’ve never known

They mount the daily battle

And watch on every side

They cannot let their guard down

Where evil’s forces strive

 

Their rest is in the power

And the equipment that they use

The mighty weapons at their command

So many are theirs to choose

And defensive capabilities

The world has never known

If they trust in what they have at hand

They’re sure to make it home

 

So on they march, day by day

Straight down the narrow road

They carry only what they need

Lest they fall from too much load

No non-essentials in their pack

Just bare necessities

What enemy could defeat

Soldiers such as these

 

The battle fierce… but they’ll prevail!

And the world will finally see

This army, when no other would

Has set these people free

They came for love of country

And they’ll leave without reward

But those who stay will finally live

Free from evil’s sword

 

Reviews

[Crimson Shadow]

Lovely tribute to the soldiers fighting for what they believe is a worthy cause - that is why I do not like to see people holding up signs on the side of the road questioning why we are fighting. I understand we should question when we have doubts, but to flank a busy intersection with posterboard seems so disrespectful to the families that have loved ones over there or worse - loved ones lost...not to mention the military on leave. I witnessed this type of thing this past weekend and it upset me for that reason. You have shed light in a way so many do not see. Ultimately, the men and women over there - are not there just to please a president - they are there because they want to make it better for the people that have lived through the oppression their leader's have inflicted upon them. I would like to see our troops brought home, but not because we have said their sacrifice is useless. Wonderful work here - I enjoyed reading.

[Martin S]

Soldiers such as these. I like it. A catch phrase to remember. Flashes of miles to go before we sleep. Well written positive message. forget the politics lets stand together for a cause behind soldiers such as these fighting for our freedom.

[J.P. Bristow]

This is painful to read for me...as I lost a loved one over there. But a lovely tribute. If you get a chance visit my poem "For Thee" and let me know what you think.

[* Mourning Starr *]

I read this and cryed ......My son is leaving for boot camp in October......I worry that he may deployed to Iraq after his training, I worry myself sick.........To be a mother and to love so deeply is the hardest job of all to know when to let go of the once child who is now a man...I loved the piece brillantly written....Just sad for me personally

[J]

Ah D ~ I read this several times, which took me to the dusty roads of Iraq, the sandstorms our soldiers must tolerate as a way of life ... the constant danger of just driving on such dusty roads, and wonder at the bravery and committment of these men and women. I do hope they are aware of how much they are revered and loved by their country ~ even those who oppose the war. This is a beautiful tribute to them and your co-worker whose son serves [what a jolt to see your son on t.v. ~ I can't imagine]. Well done with love and respect, as is all your work. ~j

[Rob Welch , Master Of P..]

Very nice. I really liked it. Puts a new spin on a prolonged argument. Keep up the great work!

[Carole]

Excellent Poem, A.K. Wonderful rhyme--but then you are a song writer, so poems come natural for you. You have quite a gifting here. Are you a worship leader or on the worship team at your church? Now that I think about it, I believe you said you don't sing. Well, I hope one day you do seens as how you would be doubly blessed to be able to sing what you write. This almost sounds like it could be a song as well.

The battle fierce� but they�ll prevail!
And the world will finally see
This army, when no other would
Has set these people free
They came for love of country
And they�ll leave without reward
But those who stay will finally live
Free from evil�s sword

Has such an upbeat ring to it. :) Thank you again.

[Marshell A. Wright]

Okay this one brought tears to my eyes. My son is a marine, he did a year in Africa and he has two years left. He is training in Virginia now and when he calls and I ask if he's tried he says yes, but never complains. Thank you for this poem, I cannot bring myself to write about the marines just yet, still a little to close to home and I cry before the first words are typed.
Peace and Love,
Marshell