Veteran's Day

As a wife of a veteran I see first hand some of the turmoil that a soldier can suffer. Of course, there are those who suffer less and those who suffer greatly under the burden of the things they have seen and done. I will not discuss that today. That is not what this is about. This is about honoring the sacrifices these brave individuals make. 

For the most part today's veterans are thanked and supported by the public, though it was not always so, and still is not always so. I am thankful for that, even as I wish there was more done for them and more I could do for my own husband. We don't understand them. Not really. We can listen and think over what they are willing to share, but we will never truly understand. So, we thank them, praise them, and attempt to pay them back in some small measure for all they have given or haven't finished giving. 

Keeping this in mind I attempted to write an appropriate bit of poetic homage to those who serve and came up blank. I haven't the words to express my thoughts and emotions on this topic. So, in lieu of that I rummaged into my older writing and found this. I have posted it before a few years ago during my husband's second deployment. Despite the passage of time, this still rings true. I hope you all enjoy it. Happy Veteran's Day. Don't forget to thank a veteran for their service and pray for those actively serving.

Matter of the Man

Certificates and awards
Hanging on his walls.
Medals and ribbons
Pinned on his chest.
Rifles and ammo
In his safe.
Photos of men
His men; a brotherhood.
Honor and courage
In his soul.
Duty and responsibility
Dwellers of his heart.
A paragon and a citadel
This is who he is.
A man and a soldier
That is what he is.
These are his
A soldier's things.
-Constance