A Soldiers Prayer

A Soldiers Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep
The weary soldier said
With a backpack for a pillow
And a ground-cloth for a bed

I dare not sleep too soundly 
For fear I will not wake
If duty once more beckons
And action I must take

I pray to God my soul to keep
While I am in this place
That He will wrap me in his arms
This child of his embrace

Wipe away the fear I feel
As I face each new day
Understand my sorrow
For my brothers gone away

If I should die before I wake
I pray you will protect
Those that I have fought for
Their heartache not neglect

Please overlook their anger
They cannot understand
Why I had to go and fight
For someone else’s land

I pray the Lord my soul to take
If my time on earth is through
Forgive me my transgressions
But I did what I must do

With that the soldier closed his eyes
Then opened them again
And whispered “Thanks for listening Lord”
Til next we talk, Amen
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 8:37 PM
wow, very nicely done, Bob. Congrats on your win with this poem and its heartfelt message from a soldier.
Quigley Avatar
November 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Appreciate your comments Andrea. Thank you
Lane Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 1:41 PM
Congratulations Bob on this win. Tony
Quigley Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Thank you Tony
Long Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 1:38 PM
congrats on your win.. cory
Quigley Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Appreciate it Cory
Foster Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 6:16 PM
Congratulations Bob, Quite an emotional feeling I got reading this work. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful prayer...Margaret
Quigley Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 2:56 PM
And thank you for your comments Margaret
Sweetheart Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 4:48 PM
Congrats Bob on a wonderful win for this inspirational prayer luv..
Quigley Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Thanks Linda-Marie
Merryman Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 1:48 PM
Bob, this is excellent. It truly touched my heart. congrats on your win. Kim
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 2:06 PM
I'm glad it had meaning for you Kim. Thank you
Susan Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 1:21 PM
your have deep insight into the mind of a soldier. i loved "child of his embrace" and "sorrow for my brothers gone away" -beautiful lines and expressions of feelings! perfect ending. congratulations on your win :)
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Very kind comments Susan. Thank you for the kudos
Song Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 10:26 AM
I picture a Civil War soldier on the edge of the river at Petersburg writing this poem....solemn and reverent. Congrats on this beautiful poem, Bob. Gwendolen
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I am a Civil War enthusiast and although that did not come to mind while I was writing it, you are correct, it fits perfectly. Thank you Gwendolen. In the eye of the beholder as the say.
Williams Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 6:03 AM
Bob congrats on your win, a very touching write..David
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 7:34 AM
Thank you David
Brown Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 5:40 AM
Congratulations on your win in Frank's "Compose A Prayer"contest Bob. Love, Carol
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Much appreciated Carol
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 3:23 AM
That has brought a tear to my eye Bob Wonderful xx
Quigley Avatar
November 9, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Thank you Mandy
Ramsdale Avatar
September 8, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Wow...I just love this one Bob! You took us inside the soldiers head. Great job my friend. CR
Quigley Avatar
September 8, 2011 at 4:34 PM
Thanks Caryl. That means a lot.
Sweetheart Avatar
June 11, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. so enjoyed reading this touching sensitive write .. my youngest son is in the military stationed in Libya at the moment.. enjoy the site as u continue to share words with luv..
Mehta Avatar
June 11, 2011 at 3:31 PM
What an inspiring and devotional prayer to the almighty, Bob
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