Soldier’s Soliloquy

I must have been away, it seems, for such a long long time.

I came back home to yesterdays but none were there to find.

Running from the fields of youth, our colors turned to gray;

before our time we went to war and youth just went away.

I close my eyes and gaze again upon our innocence;

memories of grander days with grander covenants.

Now hopes and plans and promises lie broken all around;

the boys we were, and dreams we dreamed, are buried in the ground.

Those were God blessed times, old friend, before came Vietnam

where we set out to save the world, from those we saved it from.

Now I walk this hallowed ground where fallen heroes lie

and remember when we were boys again, before you had to die.

So I salute this marble cross that marks the honored dead;

I plant the Lilies of the Field as a crown upon your head.

And I'll stand here and talk about how good things used to be;

I know you hear, my stalwart friend. I feel you here with me.

I'll sing your song and tell your tales and pray your prayers for you.

I'll not forsake your suckling babe; I'll see your battles through.

The boy I was lies there with you; there are no fields to roam.

The man I am cries here with you and tries to go back home.