THE HOME COMING
There were tears mid
jubilation
as the soldiers came
to dock,
a welcomed
celebration
for those who fought
Iraq.
Both women and the
men,
and the wide smiles
they wore,
arriving home again
to the loved ones
they adore.
Came an air of praise
and honor
for the duties they
performed;
not like the times
Jane Fonda,
led the activist in
scorn .
But now 'twas hugs
and kisses
with huge joy on
display;
the public bade good
wishes,
with goodwill here to
stay.
So welcome home a
mighty force
who fought a war with
pride;
fighting on a deadly
course
so freedom could
survive.
But there are some
returning,
with wounds that crip
for life,
but show a heart
still yearning
to get back in the
fight!
And there was one
marine
who was searching for
his wife,
he was calling out
her name,
for he had lost his
sight.
And when they finally
met
came an embrace so
profound;
their cheeks were
soaking wet
from the teardrops
falling down.
I heard the words he
said
to his lovely wife,
Marie,
"It's better to be
blind than dead,
and I'm happy as can
be."
And then they
disappeared ...
arm and arm among the
throng ,
while others on the
pier,
look for families
they belong.
Now don't forget the
fallen,
may there memory
never wan;
they met their duty
calling
and did not die in
vain!
And now they rest in
heaven
by the welcome hand
of Christ,
a celebration given
for their eternal
life.
This jubilee has come
and gone
and again we must
band;
another war is going
strong
inside Afghanistan.
Which we must wait to
celebrate;
but proudly we will
stand,
support our troops to
build their faith
'til they come home
again!
William
E. Hardison
