He stood upon the mountain top
Opened his heart and soul
It was then he realized
There were things that were beyond
his control.
For if he did not exist
The world would keep turning
And if he stopped listening
They would go on learning.
Even though he was content and happy
There was still those that were crying
And even though he'd come home
There were still those that were dying.
He could understand the anger
People looking to place the blame
But he was proud he'd served
He would not feel any shame.
It was difficult to be there
Cheating death every day
And when he met those that had lost
a loved one
He didn't know what to say.
He had seen so much death
Rows of body bags
Tucked into silver boxes
And covered with American flags.
Was there a point
To this death and sadness
It was hard to understand at times
This he had to confess.
There were no victors in war
Only victims that lay dead
It's something that will forever live
Within his heart and his head.
(c)2008 T. LaFountain