Memorial Day

To all those who have served, I wanted to dedicate this day's blog to you.  I appreciate your service to the nine.  Thank you for protecting our freedom; thank you for risking your life so that I can sit on my couch with my Australian Shepherd and fiance and not have to worry about some other country breaking down my door and stealing my stuff, or even killing us.  Thank you for protecting our rights (what little rights we have left...) and for being all that you can be so that children can play in the streets knowing overall, they're safe.  Its because of men and women like you that we have such a carefree life.  This one is for you guys.

I wanted to post this for the billionth time.  I have it on another blog  I have for my short stories.  It was a poem I wrote to my brother when he was in basic.  I'd love for you to read and remember those who have faught in wars for us, and even your love ones that may be overseas or have been overseas.  Enjoy.

To: Mattex

When we were little,
I wanted to be you.
It didn't matter what you said or did,
I needed to be you.
When I was crying,
Because the kids at school were mean,
You were my gallant warrior.
I longed to be you.
Then the next day, you went on hating me again,
I'd continue my normal idolatry.
You were my best friend,
Through the moments we fought for peace,
with our parents,
with each other.
You were more than the arguments,
You were more than our father,
That never graced us with his presence,
After the allure of women took him away.
You were there to lead me,
Like he was supposed to,
And I desired to be you.
Your life brought you down this hard path,
And I could only stand back and watch,
And try to do what you'd do for me.
Though now I wonder,
If you ever think of me as much as I think of you.
I never saw you leave,
Didn't see your face looking brave,
If you gave it away in your eyes,
The fear that bubbles within.
So when they told me your voice quivered over the phone,
My heart broke, because I knew it would,
As you stepped on that plane all alone,
I knew not the thoughts that ran through your head,
Or if tears brimmed under your eyelids.
But I'd imagine,
That through it all,
You would still show your southern charm.
I write this in hope,
That you'll keep your chin up,
So that when you come home, I can look up to more then just my brother,
But my American Soldier.
I'm so very proud of you.

Mr. III is an artist and is thinking about illustrating a childrens book with this poem.  I'm changing some of the words, the ones talking about my dad in particular, and we're thinking about doing it soon.  So, I'll keep you guys updated.
 
Happy Memorial Day!!