His face shows the lines of long fought battles,
He has grown weary of the fighting and frustration.
Some of his battles end in victory, some in defeat,
And still, some battles are yet to be fought.
He was drafted into this endless conflict,
A conflict that would test him to his very core.
His battles are relentless yet he fights on…he must,
The old soldier stands guard, always prepared.
This life is not one he would have chosen for himself,
But the old soldier wishes his battles upon no one else.
He has grown up in the trenches of battle and conflict,
He knows pain, sorrow and fear…and yet he fights on.
He watches as a shadow appears in the distance,
Has the enemy returned for yet another battle?
As the shadow emerges from the darkness all is still,
He’s just a boy, a new soldier of war…damn this battle!
As the small boy comes closer, the old soldier nods to him,
“Where is this place?” the boy asks as his small voice trembles.
The old soldier looks away and searches for an answer,
“It’s ok” the old soldier says, “don’t worry, you’re with friends.”
Over the years the endless fighting has harden the old soldier,
He keeps his feelings buried deep, protecting them from his enemy.
Seeing new soldiers drafted into this battle is hard on him,
He wonders ‘why’, ‘haven’t enough given so much already?’
This battle has taken a heavy toll on his body and spirits,
Scars to his heart and soul run deep and wide, yet he smiles.
He smiles to encourage the new soldiers, to reassure them,
They will learn from his wisdom, and they too will fight on.
Hopefully one day soon this long battle will end,
Someday all the soldiers, young and old will celebrate victory!
Gary
2001
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