War

Veterans Day: To a Very Young Vet

~ peterbaldwinpoet ~ Leave a comment

We often wonder why life is cut so short,
often, so very often, before we have a chance to live.
But I must remember always that God is in control,
and Michael has given all he has to give.

You may find that hard to understand,
you may even ask me how I know.
But nothing in all of Heaven, Earth, and Hell,
escapes God knowledge, mountain high or valley low.

Michael was a man who’d rather give than receive,
in doing so, he found the joy that made him feel complete.
All his friends in the room spoke so highly of him,
never ever did you hear a parting word repeat.

In that room nary an eye was dry,
because we all feel the loss of a brother.
Young and old, we loved him just the same,
but God has found the time to thin our our ranks by yet another.

He’ll be missed as each of us truly are,
his memory will linger long within our heart.
Michael would stand and proudly salute you,
you gave us joy and inspiration in doing our part.

Dedicated to my buddy in Vietnam, Michael.

4th of July

~ peterbaldwinpoet ~ Leave a comment

The sound when fireworks shoot skyward,
jogs the mind from a long time ago.
The sky is lit with many colors,
but not as bright as flares aglow.

The sounds are so familiar,
and the memories run very deep.
On this day many are shaken,
and find it hard to sleep.

Fireworks used to be exciting,
but that was before the war.
Since I’m home, I’ve closed & locked the past,
but fireworks once again opens up the door.

The 4th is a celebration,
of our nation’s independence.
Again it came with price of war,
and the sound of soldiers cadence.

I’d be so happy if memory,
would forgive and drift away.
And in my mind and my heart,
I look forward to that day.

I’d love to sit and enjoy life,
without any thoughts of war.
Enjoy the peace & family time,
and never have to re-open the door.

But every year on the 4th of July,
I wear my medals & citations.
After the show put on at church,
I recall what I gave for this nation.

Maybe this year will be different,
I can only hope and pray.
But through it all, God knows best,
He’s the Truth, the Life, & the Way.

Memorial Day: The Last Monday in May

~ peterbaldwinpoet ~ Leave a comment

A day of tribute, honor, & prayer,
to all those who left something there.
Not only those who gave it all,
but also those who saw one fall.

Those who were there and lost a friend,
have a memory that will never end.
Not only today, but everyday,
they take time to stop and pray.

War is tragedy that you can’t explain,
nobody knows who is to blame.
The price we pay is way too high,
especially when we say good-bye.

Nobody in war ever dies alone,
on the field, or here at home.
The military knocks at your door,
“I’m sorry, another casualty of war.”

What will ever pay the cost,
for the family that has suffered loss.
When all is given for this nation,
will a medal or citation.

The scars of war are not on the skin,
instead, the heart buried deep within.
Nothing anyone wants to talks about,
never able to pour it out.

We’re never the same as before,
for war cripples our very core.
We may come back in on piece,
but our memories will never cease.

So, for this Monday in the month of May,
take time to reflect and time to pray.
Remembering those who answered freedom’s call,
all gave some, some gave all.

Yet, in the midst of all this despair,
when the world is so unfair.
I find hope for life in only One,
and that is God’s very Son.

He’s the One who cares for me,
without Him, I wouldn’t be.
There’s nothing greater than His Grace,
He’s always there, whatever I face.

So trust Him in all you do,
He will always see you through.
He’ll never allow what you can’t bear,
He’ll shelter you in His Loving Care.