Fighting for Glory

From a nation built on battle, 

won with war, 

and glorified by gore,

comes a man who misses his children,

though he fights for a just cause.

His hands tenderly holding a picture 

his wife gave him when he left 2 years ago. 

His son is in school by now, 

and his baby has taken her first steps.

His heart wishes he had been there.

The enemy is ruthless, and keeps him from returning

to his warm home where his wife waits with love.

He’s tired of fighting, but the show must go on,

at least, that’s what his commanders say. 

Is it possible that the enemy feels the same way?

It’s easy to forget,

that we fight not for glory,

but for the opportunity to return home,

where a dog waits with a wagging tail,

and friends aren’t an emotional liability.