The Soldier Poem by Lynn F Clemons

The Soldier’s eyes stared straight ahead
As the Greyhound bus rolled down the road
He was returning to his long lost life
To his family, his friends, his home

Besides the army green duffle bag
This man carried baggage beyond belief
The bus turned slowly off the road
The stop would be quite brief

As the soldier came out from the rest station
There was quiet all around
The bus had disappeared down the road
He could barely hear a sound

Glancing around, something caught his eye
It was a young man all dressed in white
He held out his hand as if to welcome him
It was a strange and unsettling sight

The man said, welcome Private
I’ve been waiting twenty years or more
I’ve watched you grow, from boy to man
I’m very proud you must know for sure

I watched you on the battlefield
I saw you save the others lives
You gave yourself so they may live
You made the ultimate sacrifice

Please don’t feel sad, for what you’ve done
Many brave men have done so too
We call these brave soldiers Veterans
They’re our country’s heros just like you

The Soldier took the young man’s hand
Smiled and gave an approving nod
They both were lifted up through the clouds
Where the Soldier saw the face of God

Too many people never noticed
The sacrifice that was so brave
His soul was set free, for all eternity
It couldn’t be held captive in a man made grave