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Soldier Boy
by Delilah CoyneRaised by grandma
because daddy did time.
So good despite all;
such a sweet little boy.
Always dropping by just to say hi
and tell us about your day.
Skinny legs and freckles,
in an oversized baseball cap
and Goodwill jeans.
Seems like only yesterday.
Wearing fatigues
and a grin
you drop by to say hello.
The face of a child,
you smile excitedly
and tell us all about
boot camp and guns
and how he yelled
and you pretended
it didn't bother you.
You leave again after the weekend.
Looking forward to whatever lies ahead.
Iraq, Afganistan, Bosnia, you say,
you're not sure which.
You don't even look scared.
Off you march
away from home
so green and fresh;
naive.
You smile that smile
and wave goodbye
and say you'll see us later.
Take care! I say, smiling back,
thinking awful thoughts.
I am afraid that the next time I see you,
if I have that blessing,
that your smile will be less bright,
that your sweet spirit may be broken,
that you'll have given so much of yourself
that only the shell will remain.
Little boy,
come home safely, I pray!
Smile at me again
with innocent excitement, soldier boy!
02/15/2007 Author's Note: My neighbor headed off a few weeks ago. Just 18 and so sweet. I hope and pray that he stays safe during his time in the military.
Posted on 02/15/2007
Copyright © 2024 Delilah Coyne
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Soulo Jacob Bourgeau on 02/15/07 at 06:26 PM Delilah, this is beautiful and gives me a patriotic chill. I was once that fresh-faced 18yr old boy marching off to war. I combine my prayers w/ yours. |
| Posted by Christel Crews on 02/16/07 at 05:43 AM oh, what a sweet, thoughtful piece! its hard to watch those boys go off to the unknown.. |
| Posted by Kyle Anne Kish on 02/18/07 at 04:02 AM Delilah, your words, I'm sure, hit HOME with a whole lotta people. How WILL all our soldier boys' come back? I pray your neighbor will not only come back safely, but with the child's smile still on his face. This was a beautiful piece. peace and love .... |
| Posted by Michelle Angelini on 02/18/07 at 04:51 AM Delilah, your words are echoed on everyone of our hearts and in our minds. No matter which country they go off to or what time in history, many of us have known the innocent coming back as the war-torn and wrecked. You say it so well and speak for so many.
~Chelle~ |
| Posted by Peter Humphreys on 02/19/07 at 11:59 AM Thank you, Delilah. Too often on the news they just talk of large numbers here or there. But life is personal. War is personal. Please God he will return safe. |
| Posted by Peter Humphreys on 02/19/07 at 11:59 AM Thank you, Delilah. Too often on the news they just talk of large numbers here or there. But life is personal. War is personal. Please God he will return safe. |
| Posted by Genevieve Sturrock on 02/20/07 at 03:03 AM this is so sweet and heartfelt...i want to come over and bring you a cup of tea and keep you company while you wait to hear how he's doing. |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 02/20/07 at 04:33 PM Beutiful, touching and heartfelt write. It really got to me. I feel like I know this boy and he will be in my thoughts. |
| Posted by Roger J Kenyon on 02/18/11 at 06:05 AM As an old soldier I can relate and empathize with you Delilah. Tis anasty destructive business. |
| Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 01/14/14 at 01:04 PM simply beautiful. congratulations on POTD. |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 01/14/14 at 04:29 PM If you only wrote one poem and it was this one, it would certainly be a keeper!! |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 01/14/14 at 11:09 PM What loving, caring verses. Trust he did return safely though I am sure changed. |
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