rem
A man who don't lie, ain't got nothin' to say.
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I realize that your Memorial Day was yesterday. Our's is in November. Same idea. A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a young soldier in a military hospital who had been badly injured, both physically and emotionally. As she described him to me, a picture formed in my mind. She asked if I would write to him. I did. He didn't respond but that was fine. I'm not even sure he could. But a little while later, I wrote a poem. For him. I never sent it to him as I didn't feel it was good enough. How could it be? But I'd like to share it with you. I hope this is appropriate. I have the greatest respect for the men and women of our respective militaries. I hope you all had a most enjoyable day yesterday. R
FOR KEVIN
The first time I saw him, I turned away - then looked again
My mind would not embrace this picture etched into my brain
A body broken from a massive force beyond compare
I could not imagine how he felt, I wouldn’t even dare
I saw a body being healed, a framework in repair
And while I knew that it was rude, I couldn’t help but stare
Then suddenly I saw much more, through bandage and debris
This second time I held my gaze, and willed my eyes to see
I saw a young man back from war, a soldier from the fray
Embattled from a battle being staged so far away
I recognized him instantly, though so far from the field
I would recognize a warrior even without sword and shield
I perceived a presence from this man, an aura filled with pride
And compassion for those comrades who had died right by his side
A badly broken spirit that was waiting to rebuild
A spirit of such might it caused my own to be fulfilled
My eyes saw farther inward, past the body’s frail facade
His soul made from a mold made by the awesome hand of God
This noblest of noblemen, with character unique
So humbled by his presence that I had no words to speak
The honor he brings to himself, and the honor he is due
May not be all he needs to start to make himself anew
But if honor due was made into a magic healing power
This magnificent young soldier would be healed within the hour
This exemplar of humanity has put us all to shame
His service and his courage were not offered up for fame
My wish is that they make him whole, and that I might be half the man
It would be so grand to see him stand, and let me shake his hand
FOR KEVIN
The first time I saw him, I turned away - then looked again
My mind would not embrace this picture etched into my brain
A body broken from a massive force beyond compare
I could not imagine how he felt, I wouldn’t even dare
I saw a body being healed, a framework in repair
And while I knew that it was rude, I couldn’t help but stare
Then suddenly I saw much more, through bandage and debris
This second time I held my gaze, and willed my eyes to see
I saw a young man back from war, a soldier from the fray
Embattled from a battle being staged so far away
I recognized him instantly, though so far from the field
I would recognize a warrior even without sword and shield
I perceived a presence from this man, an aura filled with pride
And compassion for those comrades who had died right by his side
A badly broken spirit that was waiting to rebuild
A spirit of such might it caused my own to be fulfilled
My eyes saw farther inward, past the body’s frail facade
His soul made from a mold made by the awesome hand of God
This noblest of noblemen, with character unique
So humbled by his presence that I had no words to speak
The honor he brings to himself, and the honor he is due
May not be all he needs to start to make himself anew
But if honor due was made into a magic healing power
This magnificent young soldier would be healed within the hour
This exemplar of humanity has put us all to shame
His service and his courage were not offered up for fame
My wish is that they make him whole, and that I might be half the man
It would be so grand to see him stand, and let me shake his hand