The Valiant Soldier
Tearfully, he walks the path along the ridge
Homeward bound, an answer to their prayers,
But he’s thinking about his friend at the bridge
The napalm bombs falling, the red-hot flares.
They crawled hands and knees into harm’s way
Not knowing new orders came with little cover,
He watched his partner hit, then mortally splay
It seemed like fear, but raw courage took over.
They had called him a hero, given him a medal,
But he had only done what his honor compelled
Of the valiant soldier trained for the battle,
And he his comrades would never have failed.
Written June 29, 2022
Submitted to "Tears of a Valiant Soldier" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Faraz Azmal
Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022
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