|
Written for friends in the Guard/Reserve that I met while I was on active duty.
"Why Daddy?" my baby asked
There was no time to answer
As I left to board that air ship
My country had called me this trip
I found my seat and buckled up
The quiet was like a blanket
As one-by-one we settled in
We all knew our destination
Taking my pen and paper out
I wrote these words in answer
To that question my baby asked
And explain perhaps for soldiers passed
Knowing freedom is never free
We leave our friends and family
A weekend, two summer weeks or more
To train for a job most would abhor
"Weekend Warriors" as called by some
Once deployed our weekends never come
24 hours makes one day, 7 days a week
With internet and webcam we get a family "peek"
Some say it's for 9-11
And those poor souls now in Heaven
Others say to free Arab soil
And some whisper "Cheaper oil"
Not one of these is why we're here
Nor did these persuade us to volunteer
Our reasons to be in this foreign place
Is to preserve your freedom with God's grace
We miss those loved ones left
Most of all our country and our life
None of us had asked to die
But freedom's cost can be high
We rise each day with the sun
Wondering if this is like "Viet Nam"
There is but one thing we asked
Please don't treat us as done soldiers passed
And so my very dearest child
Remember always this cost
And as you enjoy your freedom's ride
This soldier is serving you with pride.
|
