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American Spirit

by Charles M Harrison

As the solider lay in his bunk in a far away land.
He dreamt a most amazing dream that was strange and grand,
Out into the distance stretching for mile after mile
He saw thousands of his comrades marching in rank and file.
They were dressed in a manner of soldiers long since past
Armed with weapons from Americas first war to her last.
There were men who fought at Bunker Hill, and in Mexico.
In each ones eyes he could see what only soliders know.
There were men side by side dressed in blue and gray.
United in their mission as they marched steadfast his way.
He watched the steps of Teddy's boys, of the Rough Riders.
He heard the rat-tat-tat of drums and the jingle of their spurs.
Then came the dough boys from World War One,
They had gone to finish what an assassin had begun.
He saw many, far to many who had answered their nations call.
Who fought from Europe to Japan to not let freedom fall.
There were men who fought at Chosen dressed for the cold snow.
A tear fell from his eye as the pride in his heart did grow.
Vietnam's men also came marching tall and strong.
Welcomed at last by a nation who knew now why they had gone.
As they came before him their commander called a halt.
He stood and looked in awe at these Americans who had fought.
He raised his hand to his brow to salute all these brave men
They then all raised their hands and returned it back to him.
One stepped forward from the rest and spoke for one and all.
We have come and are ready to answer our country's call.
Once more we fear our nations freedom is at stake
We have come once again to fight for liberties sake.
Our solider just bowed his head and at first said not a word.
His heart was full of wonder at what he had just heard.
The tears fell from his eyes into the dust on the ground.
For a moment, just a moment there was silence all around.
Then he spoke out loud so they all could hear.
He thanked them all and told them that they need not fear.
Their spirit had been passed down to todays fighting man.
They had come and answered the call from all across the land.
You need not fear for liberty or for freedoms sake.
We are here to give our all if that's what it will take.
We are the Minute Men who were first for freedoms fight.
We are the infantry who still stand guard in the night.
We are the American fighting men who stand before you all.
The American spirit still lives in us and will never fall.
The light that you have passed to us we proudly hold up high.
We will do our duty to fight, to do or die.
You have all done your part and there is nothing we can say.
To thank you for what you have done and the price you had to pay.
You have passed down to us the will to do what's right.
It is now our time to carry the torch light.
So I say to you that your part now is done
And we know that for us ours has just begun.
In the future when we know that our time has past.
We will pass on the American spirit that will forever last.
From the multitude there went up a mighty cheer
Loud enough for all the evil in this world to hear.
The commander gave the order that would take them at last home.
All fear they had inside of them for our nation was now gone.
As they turned and marched into the starry night.
They knew that this generation would carry on the fight.
Though freedom was not free and had a heavy cost.
With Americans like this one it would not be lost.
They knew what built this country into a great land
Was still inside the heart of each American.
Our solider, with the dawns first rays awoke.
Determined to let all know what to him the dream had spoke.
He raised his eyes to heaven to the God he so loved.
Knowing that his dream came from the Commander and Chief above.
He gathered his gear, for there was work still to do.
To defend the freedom, of the red white and blue.



07/04/2004

Posted on 07/05/2004
Copyright © 2024 Charles M Harrison

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Brett Shane on 11/11/04 at 02:10 AM

this is simply amazing... thanks for writing and sharing this.

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 07/21/06 at 04:11 AM

This is truly inspirational. The rhyme is wonderful, the concept excellent. It feels complete and is quite awesome!!

Posted by Dave Fitzgerald on 11/09/08 at 01:10 PM

A very apt choice for Remembrance Day. Great write and a massive POTD. Thanks.

Posted by Charles E Minshall on 11/09/08 at 05:41 PM

Wonderful tribute. Congratulations on poem of the day Charles....CharMin

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 11/10/08 at 02:09 AM

Congrats on a well deserved POTD!

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 11/10/08 at 04:52 AM

As a veteran this one truly moved me as I sit here with a tear. Thank you for this gem, Charles. Into my favorites.

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