Signing away four young years to causes greater, he
Thinks only of this journey’s end, glory that will be.
Family, comfort he leaves behind with everything he knew
To face uncertain danger among the proud and few.
Debased in files of lowest rank, alchemy begins
By stripping youthful tenderness, soft heart, fragile skin.
Engaging in noble violence, nations to protect,
Turns mind from thoughts of home to images blood-specked.
A weapon they make of him, a killer with cold eyes.
What used to burn, drip with pain, now weaknesses disguise.
Hard against war’s carnage, he packs his soul away
Until this conflict be resolved or body in stillness lay.
Unexpected were the horrors, nor pain anticipated.
Honored soldiers ever haunted by nightmares never sated.
©T.Lynn Smith 2009
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