Once Upon a Soldier's Heart | Teen Ink

Once Upon a Soldier's Heart

September 15, 2011
By KateLauria GOLD, Merrimac, Massachusetts
KateLauria GOLD, Merrimac, Massachusetts
12 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Christmas morning he unwrapped
A plastic G.I. Joe.
The respect the boy felt for his toy
Only God would know.

This boy was mediocre
And not considered “bright”.
Not many understood him
And all he did was fight.

The boy then turned to God
Who taught him to say, “I can”
And this was the day in which,
The boy became a man.

While learning life lessons
He grew with every day.
He finally married the woman
Who took his breath away.

Then the day soon came
Where emotions would crush the heart.
Tears and sorrow gripped the face
Piercing like a dart.

Pride and fear seized his wife
As she listened to what he told her.
For on this blessed day,
The man became a soldier.

He left for war and braced himself
For death, pain, and slaughter.
And kissed his wife’s round stomach
Which was carrying their daughter.

Once upon a soldier’s heart
Were memories of before.
But now he must forget them
Because he’s in a war.

With courage to survive
And unwavering determination
The soldier fought for his country
And defended his great nation.

Once upon a soldier’s heart
Grew friendships like no other.
Fighting by his side was a soldier
Who soon became a brother.

He witnessed so much death and pain;
He could barely comprehend.
But side-by-side, like brothers,
They fought until the end.

Yet the end came far too soon
And his heart shattered to the floor.
When a bullet took his brother’s life
And their friendship was no more.

After months of constant fighting
His thoughts began to roam.
Until finally came the day
When the soldier could go home.

Upon this soldier’s heart
Came a love he’d never felt.
When he finally met his baby girl
He clasped his hands and knelt.

He prayed to God and thanked Him
For giving him what he had.
Because on this sacred day
A Soldier became a Dad.

The author's comments:
In my eleventh grade History class, we watched a documentary on soldiers in Iraq. It left such a deep and resounding feeling of respect and awe within me, that I did what I do best when I cross paths with inexplicable feelings: I write.

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This article has 5 comments.


Apodyopsis said...
on Dec. 9 2012 at 7:36 pm
Apodyopsis, Atlanta, Georgia
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
This is one of the most moving poems I've read in a while. Amazing

on Sep. 28 2011 at 4:52 pm
EmiliePhillippi GOLD, Holland, Michigan
16 articles 0 photos 22 comments

Favorite Quote:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 

Wow. I really love this. I love that it has a happy ending...unlike almost all poems/written works about war and soldiers. Thank you for sharing...

peaceout GOLD said...
on Sep. 28 2011 at 3:57 pm
peaceout GOLD, Cleveland, Ohio
17 articles 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
Don't ask what the meaning of life is. You define it.

This is really amazing. One of the most beautiful poems i ever read.

Mama C said...
on Sep. 27 2011 at 10:38 am

Incredibly moving.  You have an incredible gift...your writing is amazing.

 


-Duckie- GOLD said...
on Sep. 25 2011 at 3:53 pm
-Duckie- GOLD, West Fargo, North Dakota
18 articles 0 photos 127 comments

Favorite Quote:
Your heart is a weapon the size of your fist. Keep fighting. Keep loving.
-Anonymous

THis is beautiful. Thank you so much for writing.