Before her stands a strong young man
Courageous, showing no fear
The journey awaits him like no other
His loyalty absolutely clear

He glances back one last time
As he treads into the unknown
A choice he’s made against her wishes
My boy, he’s hardly grown

She will wait with hands together
Drawing upward in faith and prayer
“Keep my son safe from harm
To lose him I couldn’t bear”

The battle rages around him
Bloody bodies a frequent sight
Sounds at night are deafening
Hoping soon to see daylight

Days and weeks turn into months
With dreams of a nice warm bed
But freedom is worth fighting for
As he walks among the dead

Time has flown, the years have passed
His mother laid to rest
His reflection of an old man
Knows he’s done his best

He sits alone in his wheelchair
Memories of war inside his head
No one to share his stories
Or dry the tears he shed

A veteran he is proud to be
A soldier true and brave
“Our flag still flies because he fought”
The words written on his grave