A VETERAN'S DAY POEM: "THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER"

Photograph by AudreyLynne Waldbaum Castiglione

THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
By Michelle Longo-Bloom

He was fighting for his country while seeking the hope of peace some day.

He truly believed it was not too long away.
With implausible bravery he forged on in his world of terror and fear.
When he saw the inevitable danger ahead,
he knew his troops would be loyal and near.
But now he sits scared and alone
and as the enemy approaches
he wonders if he’ll ever see the likes of home.
His troops were not near this time,
while he contemplated
turning back or surrendering and crossing the enemy line.
He never did find what he was seeking,
but as he lay still and breathless beneath the earth
his mother sits home weeping.
Perhaps the next soldier will find that peace,
and while his mother rejoices
and thanks The Lord to have her son alive and home,
they will both remember the one before him
on the battle field, all alone.