The Soldier



In the trenches of war, you fought so brave,
A soldier tormented, facing demons you couldn't stave.
Mental trauma gripped your soul so tight,
Yet, you persevered, through the darkest night.

With wounds unseen, you came back home,
Haunted by memories, feeling so alone.
But you stood tall, a father to embrace,
Raising us alone, with love's tender grace.

Your eyes, once lost, now hold a different gaze,
A glimpse of hope, breaking through the haze.
I remember that day, you emerged from the woods,
The day you woke up, no longer in falsehoods.

Grateful I am, for your strength to cope,
For rising above the shadows, embracing hope.
Through trials and struggles, you led the way,
Teaching us to fight, come what may.

Now, as I stand here, grown and wise,
I see your sacrifices, hidden in your eyes.
Your love and dedication, forever I'll treasure,
For you, my father, are my ultimate measure.

In your journey of healing, you found the light,
A beacon of hope, dispelling the night.
You showed me the way to endure and thrive,
To keep moving forward, to remain alive.

As your daughter, I'm filled with pride,
For the man you became, with love as your guide.
Together we've walked through storms and through calm,
Through it all, your strength was my balm.

So, here's to you, Dad, my hero and friend,
For the battles you fought, for the wounds you mend.
In my heart, your legacy will forever stay,
A father who conquered, come what may.

About this poem

I wrote this as a tribute to my father, SFC 82nd Airborne Infantry. He sacrificed much of himself to protect our freedom in America and to be the best father he knew how to be on his own while suffering through the aftermath of war that so many combat veterans struggle with -without proper treatment- upon returning home.

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Written on July 30, 2023

Submitted by ArieCastle on May 07, 2024

1:29 min read
333

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB XXCC DDEE FFGG HHII BBJJ KKLL MMGG
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 1,440
Words 292
Stanzas 8
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Arie Castle

An American Poet/Artist more…

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