When a Soldier Kneels

[soldierpoet]

We often see the portraits,
Of a soldier on bended knee
A flag waves in the picture,
As daylight starts to flee.

The portraits show a moment,
That only happens thrice
For soldiers never bend their knee
In the face of tyrant’s vice.

He kneels one time, before each mission
Then bows his head to pray
Seeks the safety of his comrades
And begs for one more day.

He kneels again, in the midst of combat
And carefully takes his aim
Pulls the trigger, knowing well
He’ll never be the same.

And then at last, he kneels once more
As the bugle softly plays,
His mind is torn by a prayer unanswered
Deep tears cloud up his gaze.

Only thrice will a soldier kneel,
And break his stern defiance
Once in prayer, once in war,
And once in sad remembrance.

[songofmeadow]

just the right balance of careful detail and poetic poignancy, beautiful, meadow

[Chelle]

I love the symbolism here and the significance. And may we continue to honor those lost.

[Josie]

I love your poem and the tear that wells in my eye is the remembering of my soldier's willingness to protect the freedoms that I enjoy. I remember my soldier when he was young and offered me his hand in marriage. Decades later, another young soldier on bended knee presented me with a folded flag at his funeral. The young men and women who set aside the time to serve our country are special to me. Beautiful tribute, Soldierpoet!

[JASON]

powerful work - a well deserved spotlight.

[soldierpoet]

Thank you Jason!