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.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009



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Date: 1/25/2010 6:58:00 PM
Brittany, Superior feature, congratulations, Sincerely, Moses
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Date: 1/25/2010 11:07:00 AM
Many congrats on your featured piece this week. Rgds Janette
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Date: 1/24/2010 3:05:00 PM
A powerful reminder of the cost of war. Blessings to all the military who have sacrificed so much. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Wishing you continued success with your writing. Karen
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Date: 1/24/2010 1:58:00 PM
Many congratulations in you deserved featured poem this week >> James
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Date: 1/24/2010 1:40:00 PM
Congratulations are your well deserved featured poem this week Brittany. Love, Carol
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Date: 9/26/2009 5:11:00 PM
A powerful remind on the sacrifices those that serve and their families make for our freedom. An it is not an easy road. Congratulations on making it through the first round in the contest. Good luck in the finals! Karen
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Date: 9/24/2009 2:33:00 PM
Congratulations on your poem making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals Brittany. Love, Carol
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Date: 3/31/2009 11:40:00 AM
The truth in a soldiers last wants or wishes, just they have to know how much the living do apriciate what they have tried to do, without them we would not be free. Well written, I will try to read Mr. Meyers also. Thanks for sharring Judy Riley
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