Soldier Poet

For years he proudly wore the uniform of his beloved nation,
Fighting in many conflicts seeing mankind's terrible desecration.
In the heat of battle he often looked beyond the horrible strife,
When one day he could pen his dreams about the good things in life.

He tried to erase from his mind the lingering nightmare of battle,
The clash of steel, the billowing smoke and the musket's rattle.
He retired to a peaceful life and forsook the weapons of war,
To muse and write of ordinary things, letting his imagination soar!

He wrote of the magnificence of a beautiful, fragrant rose,
And the peaceful innocence of little children in repose.
The grandeur of the Creator's mountain, stream and plain,
Trees, sunshine, the moon, the stars and life-sustaining rain.

He wrote of children anxiously pondering choices at a candy store,
And of mighty waves from far-away places rushing to the shore.
He told of the virtues of attending Church and Sunday School,
To handle others with loving care, as if each were a precious jewel!

It says in the Good Book there'll always be wars and rumors of war,
But the old soldier had seen the folly of war and made it his chore,
To espouse a truism he had learned, this a very simple rule:
"If folks would follow The Golden Rule, they'd be apt to be less cruel!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Smith-Johnsen Avatar
February 15, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Congratulations Robert, on your honorable mention in the “Tending The Sprouts” contest sponsored by: Catie Lindsey with this heartfelt and wise poem. If everyone obeyed the Golden Rule I don't think there would be wars. Nicely written. Your poetic skills shine. Lovingly, Dane Ann
Haick Avatar
February 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF is very wise iindeed!! The truism which you espouse holds so much truth! ...if only...what a beautiful world this would be! Great write! Goes to my favs.! Congratulations on your win in Catie's "Sprouts" Contest! Peace, Audrey
Richards Avatar
February 10, 2010 at 4:05 PM
You wrote a another great piece, Robert!! Congratulations on this winning poem! ~ Carrie
Sweetheart Avatar
February 10, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Congrats Bob on your winning poem in the Sprouts contest.. an amazing write for an amazing poem.. enjoy your victory in the spotlight.. luv.. Linda-Marie.. "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup...
Devonshire Avatar
February 10, 2010 at 1:23 PM
As you once reminded me, it is the soldier who detests war the most. He sees the evil that it creates. This is a great poem and well deserving of recognition in Catie's contest, Robert. I am out of town and have been down with the flu. Hope to feel better soon and read more of your work. Love, Carolyn
Brown Avatar
February 10, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Congratulations on your win in Catie's contest with this poem Robert. Love, Carol
Delacroix Avatar
January 21, 2010 at 9:42 PM
How very wise and profound a write, Bob! Simply beautiful elogy. And this man you describe above is obviously you. Goes to my fav. Thank you for sharing this jewel of a write and thank you for your kind comments on mine. Best wishes, Caroline.
Culverhouse Avatar
January 21, 2010 at 4:34 PM
nice reminder of the goldenrule enjoyed reading fine work.
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