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Winter has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the approaching season. A soldier's thought is only to remember how we have laughed a thousand times and sheds a thousand tears for no reason.
It seems like only yesterday that I was young and free and became a soldier like my dad many winters ago. Though countless seasons have passed me by and I don't remember them all, but I know I must have lived them because so many soldiers still call and say, 'Do you remember when'. I do have glimpses of how it was back then, with all my ambition and objectives... but, here it is the winter of my life and it has caught me like a mission with no perspectives.
How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did all the soldiers go? Where did my youth go? I remember... seeing older NCO's and officers through the years and thinking that those soldiers were years away from me, and that winter was so far off, that I could not fathom it, or imagine how it would be...
But, here it is...I've lived through so many conflicts, so many operations, so many maneuvers, so many funerals. I've seen the happiness and the sadness that has come with each, I've seen accomplishments, I've tasted success, I've experienced failures, and through it all..... my buddies, my family was standing beside me. But winter has come so fast, I only have the memories of the years that have passed.
They say a soldiers day is never done, and when the last boot is shined, when the last order is signed, the last inspection is made, the last salute has fallen, we will hear the evening cannon fire, we will hear the bugle play, we will see old glory folded, and know winter is on its way.
Each day now of the coming season seems to be getting shorter and shorter.... sunrises and sunsets seem closer and closer together, winter is approaching much too fast.... all my skills, all my training, all my abilities as a solider can't stop it, all we can do is have memories of the past.
And so, now I enter into this season of my life.... unprepared for all the aches and pains that I feel, the loss of old friends, the loss of old soldiers who's winter caught them off guard, and the ability to perform the duties of a soldier are very hard.
But I do know, that though winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this is for sure, when it's over...its over
Yes, I have regrets... there are things I wish I hadn't done.... things I should have done... but indeed, there are many things I'm blissful to have done...its all in a lifetime of a soldier I once was.
So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind to you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, do it quickly! Winter comes so fast... do what you can today, because you will never know if this could be your last!
God has made us no promise that we will see all the seasons of life again...so live for good today, and say all the things that you want to say, so your buddies and your loved ones, will remember what you say every day. 'Being a soldier is a gift. The way you live your life is your legacy to those who came after you. make the most of it.'
Live it well....Winter is on its way!
Larry Cluck
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Click here to write your comments about this poem (A Soldier's Winter by Larry Cluck)
Tree Tipton (6/6/2008 9:39:00 AM)
Mr Cluck- this poem touched me. I was researching John Titor when I came across it, like William K. Will we always have war, do you think? I know, it sounds like a naive question. Is war hardwired into our genetics- the Y chromosome maybe? The experience of war builds some of us, but at what price? I am not a soldier, and physically could never be...but that's not ever been a prerequisite for enjoying poetry. This is a good one, very honest, and it will stay with me. |
Strother Hammond (3/7/2008 9:44:00 PM)
Nice poem. It is more prophetic than I believe any of us know. |
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