The Soldier's Price

It is a fine day to laze in the grass And to think about that beautiful lass. Her pretty eyes are lit with laughing fire And she fills me with impassioned desire. Alas, in this green field I cannot stay. I must rise and go and be on my way. Hardships behind and many to the fore. How far must I go to settle the score? It may be long and long ere I get home, For far and far life has lead me to roam. Time and time I have studied to go there And day and day drink in familiar air. I stand and pick up my gun and my pack, Setting my feet to the long winding track. Will she be there when I am home again? Or, will I have to find another, then? A man is not a man when he observes His nation attacked and himself reserves. He must make a strong stand against evil, Or see all destroyed in the upheaval. I may lose too much as an absentee, But this is for those who come after me I want their future to be free from fear And have the kind of life I hold so dear.