A Soldier’s Friendship
by Charlotte Soder
February 14, 2015
I asked a war veteran, a friend of mine
To walk me through his war days time
I asked what his friendships meant
He said “Ducking fire and laughing in a tent.”
Don’t know if I have the words, “He said to me.”
I asked him please share, and help me see
Through his eyes, the pain in his heart showed
In hesitating words he began slow
To tell of the
torture and gruesomeness beyond compare
Bombs and bullets filling the air
He said “Fear for our lives a constant threat.”
Afraid I’d be the next to loose the bet
Faces of home, flashed through my mind
Loved ones, green hills and my childhood time.
In moments of reprieve
my friends of the field
sat with me, grateful that day,
we had not been killed
Reminiscing our fears around a picnic bench
Ridding ourselves of warfare stench
We laughed, played jokes, funnin’ with each other
To ease the pain of the loss of our brother
I left a young man, innocent and naive
To this day, my heart and soul grieve
From the indignities of war
and all I’ve seen
To this day, my friends of that time
are dear to me
Like family you might say but even greater than thee…
For they know my heart like no other
My protector in the field, my friend, my brother.
[Submitted by fellow Silver Spur, John Garrison]
I want to thank John for submitting this very powerful poem. John served two tours with the Silver Spurs!
Roger, I’m so grateful for all that you are doing for your brothers in arms and for thinking this poem is adequate enough to be posted on this site. John was once more a trooper when he shared, though it was painful for him, the truth enough that I could grasp sight, not experience, but some sight of some of what you endured…My heartfelt gratitude for all you have given and continue to give.
Charlotte, a tip of the Cav Stetson for you writing the poem! I’m sure it was not easy for John to share with you, that’s not easy for us, but you’ve captured how we feel.
I had the honor of serving with John during his first tour with the Spurs, but he came back to contribute more in ’71 while I went stateside to Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.
Your last stanza captures the brotherhood we have. And for us it seems like only yesterday we were together far from home. THANK YOU!