Fighting for his country,

Is what he does each day.

Fighting for his freedom,

It’s the “American way!”

Is it worth the pain,

You see in all their eyes?

Is it worth the hate,

Of saying you’re “Good-byes?”

“How long will you be gone?”

They always want to know.

“Where will you be going?”

Hopefully not below.

It’s hard to keep from them,

Everything that I am told.

It’s hard to put on the act,

“I’m strong!, I’m tough!, I’m bold!”

Writing letters home,

And hearing others say,

“Congratulations friend!,

You’re a father today!”

I’m missing so many things,

Like most of my son’s life.

I’m missing all the feelings,

Like the touch of my loving wife.

Is this all worth it,

Should I stick it out some more?

Or should I walk away,

Turn around and slam the door?

Still through all this pain,

I hold on and I protect.

Though sometimes mad within,

I suck it up and show respect.

Not much longer now,

It’s almost time to go.

Now the shots are  fired,

“Look out!, Get down!, Get low!”

Suddenly darkness,

Starts falling over me.

My body starts to shake,

And it’s hard for me to see.

All I think of now,

Is my family left alone.

Ill never forget the sound,

As it sings its awful tone.

The burning starts now,

And it doesn’t go away.

I pray the lord to keep me,

Keep me here another day.

I can see my family now,

I see them every day.

I watch over them from here,

And the pain has gone away.