Veterans Day

I WONDER

I wonder if you’ll ponder throughout the war-torn day

if someone is thinking of you in a loving way.

I wonder if you’ll doubt that people really care

that you are fighting for their breath of glorious freedom air.

I wonder if you’ll hope when awakened with a start

that someone can relate to the trembling in your heart.

I wonder, will you regard decisions others might choose

should they be walking enemy lines in your battle shoes?

I wonder if you’ll believe when danger blocks your goal

that someone has prayed for the safety of your soul.

I wonder if you’ll question when your service is done

will we all be satisfied that the war was won?

*

I wonder if you know we see the sacrifice,

your courage and decision to pay the freedom price.

To protect the young and old, the weak and the strong,

loved ones, neighbors, and strangers–all the day long.

I wonder if you know that we, too, can’t sleep at night,

fretful over battles that only you can fight.

I wonder if you know that we’re very proud of you,

making this commitment–something we didn’t do.

I wonder if you know you’re the good of everything,

defending, serving, your loyalty unwavering.

May God protect our troops and the red, white, and blue.

You are America’s best, the brave and the true.

Patsy Reiter