War

The tropical sun shown warm and bright
As we started on our walk
And at times throughout the day
We liked to stop and talk

The long green grass beneath our feet
And the bright blue sky above
Often made me stop and think
Of my home and those I love

We walked into a grove of trees
And a cool breeze kissed our face
As tired leaves relaxed their hold
To float to their resting place

The sun was waning in the sky
And with her went the light
So it was agreed that here we'd stay
And rest ourselves tonight

One by one the stars would push
The cloak of darkness back
And let their shining faces
Look through the night so black

The only things that were said
On this night that seemed so deep
Was the crickets chirp, a few mens prayers
And then the sound of sleep

Then through the silence of the night
The rounds came flying near
An icy chill shot through each mans heart
And filled his soul with fear

Mortars spit out their flame of death
While bullets cracked the air
But each of them knew their job
And in seconds they were there

A trip flare flashed, a claymore boomed
The enemy was near
Like a machine each man performed
Gone were the thoughts of fear

Gone were the thoughts of family
With loved ones all around
Gone were the thoughts of the long since life
In the little farmers town

There were no thoughts of hero's deeds
No hero's deeds to do
For hero's are only born in wars
When they do what they must do

There were no thoughts of glory
For glory's not on their minds
Though each and every one of them
Deserve glory of some kind

When the battle finally ended
And the enemy had withdrawn
Somewhere in each and every man
A little piece was gone

No war stories will these men tell
Although they've earned the right
For war stories are told by those in the rear
Who never saw a fight

The stories these men will tell
Will be of the good times had
They like to remember the good times
Because they had so many bad

So when your husband, son or friend
Comes back from over here
Don't ask about the bad times
Just be glad to have him near.