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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Mehta Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Enjoyed the write on Many Miles Away theme, congrats on a fine win,Dr. Jim
Martin Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 4:14 PM
Thanks Dr Ram!! I appreciate your comments...Jim
Walker  Avatar
April 8, 2014 at 4:00 AM
Beautifully written Jim... Congratulations on your first place wn... Verlena
Martin Avatar
April 8, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Thanks Verlena!! Glad you liked it....Jim
Horsch Avatar
April 7, 2014 at 9:32 AM
Congrats Dr Jim, A wonderful poem and a wonderful win.......Roger
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