Many Miles Away

Many Miles Away Dr. James E. Martin ©March, 2014 Away from home and all that’s dear, He toils and sweats each day. He constantly lives with the gnawing fear That he’ll forever in this desolate place stay. He’s here because of a commitment once made, In response to a nation’s call. Unlike some who tried to evade, He enlisted and has tried to stand tall. He watched as buddies gave their last ounce of devotion, He could not control the tear’s flow. He tried in vain to control his emotion, But success there he’d never know. An American soldier is this man, He’s one of a numbered few. He’s part of a much larger plan That many never knew. Some call him crazy to be in this place They simply do not understand. They do not, however, speak thus to his face, That would never be a wise plan. Yes, he toils and sweats day after day, He knows that amidst all of the strife, Benefits are his far beyond the pay, He is proud of his lot in life. Soon he’ll to his family return, And try, with his life, to move on. The lessons that he did so nobly learn He’ll forever expand upon.