A Sergeant’s Fears

Walking thru the sand past the tents sheltering my men,

Knowing tomorrow I’ll lead them into the “Lion’s Den.”

Most too young, some don’t even shave.

Each scared in their own way, each wanting to be brave.

As I look upward into the star studded sky,

I pray that I won’t have another soldier die.

We have the best equipment that can be had,

Even if it was sent to us from our mom and dad.

“Freedoms” and “Love of country,” they mean so much,

You need your buddies beside you, close enough to touch.

Wars aren’t popular, then again, should they be.

In combat the truth is sometimes difficult to see.

I listen to my guys as they laugh and joke around.

An odd mixture of colors and creeds, new friends found.

I’m a “Grunt NCO”, I lead the very best,

Sadly I’ve sent some home early, to their final rest.

To the people back home, the wars hard to understand,

Their sons and daughters fighting in a far of land.

Personal feelings and politics aside,

There have been too many funerals, too many mothers have cried.

As I look into their eager faces, wanting to do more than their part,

I just nod my head to them, with pride in my heart.

Michael Monfrooe

For all the men and women who had our troops in combat.