Thank you to my Point Man Brother, Fred,
who graciously allowed me to put my poem "It's Time"
on his web site.  "God Bless America" and
"God Bless Australia".

Freedom is never Free

~It's Time~

"It's time," the sergeant yelled again
"Get on the bus there, son
You'll soon be hitting boot camp
Six weeks and you'll be done."

The young man stepped from innocence
In to a life of war
He wasn't sure of anything
Nor what this fight was for.

"For God, and Corps and Country"
Was the motto yelled in pride
He marched along in cadence
With his rifle by his side.

"It's time," the sergeant called to him
"Your orders. Gott'em here."
The young Marine stood tall and proud
The papers made it clear.

He was no longer just a boy
From the farmland of his youth
But now a United States Marine
He'd fight for right and truth.

He said good-bye to his family
And kissed his girl farewell
His tour would last up to a year
As far as he could tell.

"It's time," the sergeant quietly spoke
"Your turn for night patrol."
The young Marine picked up his gun
A chill engulfed his soul.

He said a prayer and headed out
The area to check
His gun held tight against his side
A cross about his neck.

He walked along in solitude
The darkness brought up fear
He was alone with all his thoughts
But God was ever near.

"Come home," the voice was soft and sweet
He knew it was his time
He never felt the fatal shot
That took him in his prime.

"It's time," the sergeant shouted out
The honor guard stood still
The twenty-one gun salute was heard
Beyond the sloping hill.

The flag was folded neatly
Then presented to his mother
His name was etched into a wall
Beside so many others.

Then quietly they lowered him
To his untimely grave
The family called their last farewell
To their young Marine so brave.

"It's time," the sergeant yelled again
"Get on the bus there, son
You'll soon be hitting boot camp
Six weeks and you'll be done."

~wolfrunner~

The poem "It's Time" written May 26, 2001 in honor of all who have served.  God Bless them...and to all who are and will serve...Thank you.

Your thoughts are welcomed
jackie@shyannie.com