The American Warrior

I took a long walk one day

I came across a park bench

The sun was shining

With just the right touch of a breeze

What a day I thought, and sat down

 

I looked down at my hands

I could see the lines of age

And the scars from years of hard work

Weathering my skin

And I thought…

 

What is it that I have really done

My name is not one of fame

Penned in school books

Who will remember me…

What wondrous deeds have I done

 

For a fleeting moment, I sat troubled

How can this be…I have dreams

I have aspirations for my life

So much time has gone by

How can I fix my life

 

Well, I thought about it

And I thought about it

And I realized…I am not broken

There is noting to fix

I have done some wondrous deeds

 

I have experienced the power of love

The cleansing of my soul

The true gift of giving

And receiving only a smile

Or a simple thank you

I have walked out of shadows

Of my former self

And have shed the lies of others

I wore like a second skin

And I have come full circle

 

For the measure of a man

Does not lie in his successes

But in his failures

And it is failure that awakens the soul

And creates necessary change within

Reviews

[J. Hampton]

J. ~
An awesome tribute....and DEEP perspective !!!
Myself...no I don't think Bush is the most savvy President....nor Would I choose many of the Congressman...State Reps...etc..etc...
BUTTTTT....I love my Country and although I would have the Middleast effort handled differently; I will stay in prayer for our troops ((( Because they're there ))) and for the President....because he Is The President.
I always say...((( dosn't do any good to pray fro the one ya don't have....so pray for the one ya do ))
(( these verses run deep))
" Rest easy my friends, while you sleep tonight
For I stand ready, willing to fight "

" Just knowing that you live and die
Under the blanket of freedom That I provide "

Loved this...... great write !!!

Blesssssssssssssss

[Memnoch]

This was a great write J! Were you in the sevice? I think its crap the way people talk and treat them today. This ment a lot to me. Keep them comming man.
Kelley Frost

[Wulfstan Crumble]

We cannot deny the true hearts of the majority of American soldiers, just like British soldiers, with whom you often fight side by side. However, all soldiers are at the mercy of their governments. Which you quite rightly note in your description. However, in this modern world the soldier's indescressions where they happen, their mistakes, their moments of evil (those few moments that happen sometimes) are shown on TV to all. Many on here will love the American soldier for what they represent (The same thing most soldiers represent though few proclaim as loudly) but others will hate them because of all the innocents they have killed (often by mistake). It is a complicated thing to write about and i think your poem, concentrating on just the soldiers does really well.

[Bella Marie]

I am in Australia, but still this emblem represents the whole of humanities freedom warriors.
I am so thankful for the brave and noble men and women whom put thier lives on hold an in danger even death, to preserve our way of life. FREEDOM, PROTECTION OF HOMELAND AND FAMILY.
I am also thankful that you have written such a moving piece, this should be in everyones homes, might cause people to stop and think before opening their mouths against these warriors. I think you should write more pieces like this, to humble us and remind us to be greatful.

Bella
XXX

[Krystal Waters]

Wow! Powerful and so true. I thought of past wars, and Iraq in this piece. Naturally being from a soilders point of view. I tried to get into the army, to the medical side, but I was one year off of getting accepted. There must have been a reason, as I look at my family, my daughter and husband. I think also about others, the loss of their sons and daughters and me having the ability to help, if only I could. Very nice...

Krystal

[Ameashi]

a truly incredible poem full of power and pride. extremely well written and a great read. thanx for shain' :)

[Kevin Connolly]

This is an excellent poem, J. Michael. Such a fine tribute to America's brave fighting men.
What would the world be like if the USA didn't exist? Europe would have a huge fight on its hands, that's for sure! The fight against terror would be an ongoing, unwinnable war.
God bless America.

[Brian C. Noell]

Beautifully written and worded. As someone who spent nearly twenty years in...it is a lovely and heartfelt tribute and this work should be framed and hanging on the walls of VFW, American Legion, AmVets etc. posts throughout the country.Thank you.B. C. Noell, USCG CPO 1st Cl. (ret)

[Michey Sharp]

Another phenomenal piece of work and I absolutely, positively love it and agree with it whole-heartedly!!! I love the last few lines...GREAT!

[Bubo]

Don�t spend your time, worrying for me
For, I don�t need your sympathy
Just knowing that you live and die
Under the blanket of freedom That I provide ............

Wonderful heartfelt piece.......so beautifully written.......spoke through the eyes of those who fight each day for our freedom............and very right when you say its goverments that create wars......and we suffer the loss.
A truely wonderul tribute.