To Watch, To Remember

I sit watching the war safe at home.

My family beside me yet I feel alone.

My feelings are mixed so deep inside;

I can’t turn it off, there’s no place to hide.

The rush is there, I can’t explain;

My wounds all healed now cause me pain.

The generals say, “We learned from the past.”

The memories of war will forever last.

My battle has been over for many years,

Now I find it hard not to shed a tear.

I trained quite a few, they’re among the best.

My pride in them means more to me than the medals on my chest.

Whether the jungle or desert, it’s all the same;

The worst part about it is the waiting game.

It won’t last long, or so it was said;

I’ve heard that before, as we loaded our dead.

They look so young, without a care.

They will age quickly; it isn’t fair.

Let’s walk beside them when they come home;

For a country’s heroes should not feel alone…

Michael D. Monfrooe

January 1995

More meaningful now than ever.

August 2004