Richard Primmer

PAYING THE PRICE

As I sit here again,
Looking at a child come toward
I wonder if he is friendly
Or death looking to reap his reward.

I throw my arms out
To show I mean him no harm.
As he approaches there is a click
And my body goes numb.

I feel myself go up
And a light comes on
And my mother appears
But she has been gone.

Many years ago
When I was just young
She told me we would meet me again
And I realize my time has now come.

I ask God why did this happen to me
And how?
He told me my sacrifice was needed
A soldier’s time is now.

I have followed in footsteps
Of those who have gone before
They wondered the same
And they wanted more.
But we are not forgotten
In this time of war.

So, feel remorse or sorrow no more,
We have done this many times –
Sending our grandfathers and uncles
To war.

The ones come back remember those before
Reminding us all of the sacrifices made
Are done with a purpose
And a price to be paid.

Author’s Note: Dedicated to our six brothers-in-arms: Cpl Brent D. Poland, Pte David R. Greenslade, Pte Kevin V. Kennedy, Cpl Aaron E. Williams, Cpl Paul Stannix, Sgt Donald Lucus who died in an IED Attack in Afghanistan on April 8, 2007 – and to my Grandfather