Feelings

As a pea, one travels through the ravages of war

As a grain of sand does our live matter any more

As a faint whisper of wind upon someone’s cheek

As our passing reminds no one of the comfort we seek.

During a spring rain that settles on a child’s face

During a cool breeze that along the trees doth race

During the life of a warrior he meets many foes

During the time of his death, will anyone really know?

Feeling a snowflake upon one's tongue

Feeling an unknown hand of soft kindness that might have sprung

Feeling guilty and depressed as he travels along

Feeling so many things and not knowing what he did wrong.

Hearing a simple song of a bird in a tree

Hearing an old gospel song that comes from deep within me

Hearing a word of rage from those that know not

Hearing a nation full of hate scream things better off forgot.

Loving the freedom that so many died to keep

Loving the feeling of a patriot from way down deep

Loving ones brothers and sisters that went before and even now

Loving God, the Flag, country and being not too proud one's head to bow.

All these things a Veteran must feel

All these things a Veteran must deal

All these things and still he loves you all

All these things and when the Flag passes he still stands tall.

For a veteran knows no better

For he must rely, as always, upon himself and the truth can be bitter.

For a comrade, a brother, a soldier of war

For many died, and it seems there will be more and more.

©David R. Alexander

September 30, 2003