An Old Soldier Poem by Loyd C Taylor Sr
An Old Soldier
A Tribute to all veterans, and all of our brave soldiers, God bless you!
******
Friend, I have faced many a difficult battle,
Dangerous missions requiring real backbone.
As a soldier, I have encountered hard times,
But this trip was the toughest one I had known.
My feet became heavy, but still I advanced...
Moving down the long hallway to where he lay;
This man was my best friend and fellow soldier,
But I had received news he would die today.
His room was now only a few feet from me;
I became frozen, standing there at his door.
I had come to say good-bye to my comrade,
For after today, I would see him no more.
He was sitting up, as if waiting for me;
I noticed an old familiar smile on his face.
He said, 'Soldier, I'm sure glad you came today,
For soon, ole buddy, I'll be leaving this place.
I guess you know I don't like these hospitals:
There's just too much sufferin' n' pain.
'Sides, these places stir up too many memories,
Some I've been reliving again and again.
But, Soldier, I've got a brand new assignment;
I'm goin' t' a land where there ain't no wars,
A place where the winds of peace are a'blowin'...
It's a long mission, away up b'yond the stars.
Yes, sir, I'm ready, be gone in a short while,
But there's a thing or two I'd like you to know.
You, partner, are this old soldier's best friend.
Sure gon'na miss our talks, and I've loved you so.'
As he spoke, a glow came upon his old face,
Like none that I had ever seen there before.
He said, 'Listen up, Soldier, I'm being called;
There's a messenger a'standin' at my door! '
I took his hand as he squeezed mine so tightly,
I swear, I have never seen him so at ease.
Then, his head turning, I saw him smile widely.
'The Commander's callin'... I feel heaven's breeze! '
Then just like that, that brave old soldier was gone;
I could feel his firm grip on my hand release.
I stood at full attention to salute him,
And said, 'So long, Dad... now go on... rest in peace.'
© Loyd C. Taylor, Sr.
I do hope you enjoy it,
Loyd, the simple poet.
I stood at full attention to salute him, .. nice tribute as war veteran i too concern for the safety and security we need peace to live at ease not for us but people around us
I remember my grandpa talking to his other older friends. I could tell when they were reminiscing about their World War II years, they didn't want the 'kids' to hear any of their war stories. I could tell there was a special bond between them, even if they were in different places in war, or even in different wars. At his funeral, some people I've never seen before showed up simply because they were veterans coming to show there respects for a fellow veteran. I hate war but is does seem to make special bonds in the people it effects most. This was a beautiful, though sad poem. And it reminded me about my grandpa, so thanks. Darla :)
I stood at full attention to salute him, And said, 'So long, Dad... now go on... rest in peace.' though we don't know anything about the place or the destination that our souls have to go and rest, we all assume that place is quite nice with no war and evil.. any way thank you for sharing such a wonderful story and I salute all soldiers of the world for their dedication and sacrifice..
Its a lovely and a tragic poem and i think it shows us the final result of war
What a beautiful and spirit filled poem this is. I can so clearly imagine the scene in the hospital. The ending is so poignant and made me shed tears. Blessings to you and for honoring the soldiers and particularly your dear departed father.
Loyd, You are a huge inspiration to teaming generation of young versatile poets like me....and with another brilliant poem like this, your place among the best here remain unshaken... Thanks for sharing this poem. R.I.P to your friend
It's a beautiful poem. You seems to have first hand knowledge of the war theatre. Men become soldier not because he wants to die for his country, but the events may make him get hurt and even die, some only fall into this state. And those of us left behind may have sad tales to tell.Some are lucky like me. You may call it luck or fate. But life is a wonderful play. After all life is an game in unpredictable. Game. Truly very good write. Thank you for sharing.
when a soldiers life is through, he will sit waiting for you, he waits to say good-bye because he'll see you on the other side.
Hello, Loyd! I much like your poem, so sincere, moving and solemn. Wish that place without wars to be on the earth.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/2/2023 12:21:42 PM # 1.0.0.1118
I wish the entire world community would read poems like this, to see the effort behind their safety and well being that is brought by soldiers and the pain they go through, thanks Loyd... its really insightful.