Anthony D. Ewing

At the time of writing this poem in 2004, Anthony Ewing was a Corporal in the United States Army, serving with HHC 2/116th Cavalry in Iraq

A SOLDIER’S POEM

As I prepare myself for a journey to a country so very far away,
I think of my wife, children and family, and all the things I would like to do and say.

One of the hardest things that a husband and father could ever do,
Is to leave behind the ones that are so very close to you.

How can I ease the loss that they must feel within their very heart?
How can I help them to understand the reasons we are apart?

I know they will miss me when I am away from their side,
So I pray that their sadness will be replaced with great love and pride.

I am an American soldier, a protector of freedom and of all that is right;
It is my duty and my honor when this country calls me to fight.

I must honor my promise to my family to protect them from all that is bad,
That is my duty, not only as a soldier, but also as a husband and a dad.

I will fight with my brothers and sisters with fierce American pride;
We will restore this country’s faith, and honor those who have died.

Do not think I am not afraid of the terror I am about to face,
Or the thought of not returning home from such a horrific place.

Soon this war will be over and returning home you will see,
Your husband, your dad and your son for all eternity.

So when people ask you where I am or what it is that I do,
Look them in the eye and proudly say,
“He is an American soldier fighting for freedom; he is fighting for you.”

GOD BLESS MY FAMILY AND THIS COUNTRY