The-Soldier-Beneath

Shiny boots and brass our eyes only see Their uniforms worn so crisp and neat Ranks on shoulders and medals on chest They dress to the hilt in their very best Their walk is tall and their heads held high Courage and commitment found deep in their eyes Enter a room or point them out in a crowd Their voices quiet but their presence is loud The soldier before us is flawless and perfect Their scars and wounds they hide below surface Each one with a story from a war once fought Some greater than others but none worth naught Their boots tattered and torn with no brass to be found Their uniforms soiled with dirt from the ground They fight as teams no matter their rank They’re buried in fox holes and maneuvering tanks Their courage at times not as stout but not weak They have fear in their hearts but no time to think They sit down to eat but at times not well Though some not at all when they’re centered in hell They’ve quieted their presence but don’t hold back tears For the loss of a friend they relied on for years Their pain is great and the hurt goes deep But they feel compassion for the dead at their feet Their confidence pressed when they hear the news Of violent protests from the ignorant few Rioters boast and they carry their signs Shouting about war that has shook our time When these are called out and it’s time to go They burn their draft cards and make a show But our soldiers are proud and they protect this land Regardless of those who refuse to stand Their wounds and their scars are attached to their hearts They fight for our freedom and they do their part Though our eyes only see the uniforms they keep It’s what’s underneath that makes us free