Mark I. Kirkmeyer

WITH CHILDREN

It has only been ten years
Since my career ended
If not for the injuries
I’d be there today
With my children

There are those I trained
In the heights of Afghanistan
On the blowing Iraqi sand
Granting aid, covering there six
With my children

There are family members
Charging to Bagdad
He hits a mine
Shrapnel ripped through his spine
With my children

If I could replace one
Save him-or-her the grief
I’d go back to the Spirit Thief
My job not done, I should be
With my children

If I would have finished the job
This invasion would not have come
They would not have had to die
They’d be safe at home
With their children.