Soldier's Regret

I have seen the "corners of the world," heard the songs of many languages. I have helped bring peace from many wars, and played with the poor children of many countries. I have tasted the fine wines, spirits and beers, ate the feasts fit for a king, scraps, and dry meal. I have seen the militias of other countries, and the destruction of towns and cities due to war. I have experienced Many Things, exciting, horrible, memorable and painstakingly unforgettable. As I lay on my hospital cot, I slip in and out of consciousness. I think about the things I have done in my life, and yet the things I haven't. My family, my parents, marriage and kids. I've made my parents proud, became someone by raising in ranks. I've brought safety to my country, joy and pride to my friends and family. But I haven't had the chance, to watch my kids grow up and start their life. To play baseball with my son and coach his soccer team, to take my daughter shopping or threaten their dates. I haven't had the chance to live on in retirement. To meet my grandchildren and spoil them, with stories and watch their faces light up. As I lay looking up at the white Red Cross tent canvas, I think about the regrets that many soldiers grasp, struggle, and try to push away, but still continue to crave. As a soldier goes to leave this world, there's always those final regrets. They could be such as the want for one last cigarette, one last drink, one last song, or even one last intament companion. Still with different beings, there are different regrets. Always one last something, tangible or not, something to go away happy, peaceful minded, blissed, and pain-free. *Note: This poem was inspired by Mr. L.A. Meyers who wrote the "Bloody Jack" Series The Quote of Inspiration: "Trouble is, as a soldier goes to leave this world, he always has some regrets-- he still wants one more smoke, one more drink, one more song..." His breathing is becoming more labored and I know he is weakenin. "...and one more girl." I made this to mold any military branch and both females and males.