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Patriotic Poems
War and Tragedy

 

Contributor: Jim Clevenger | Poem Categories

A Necessary Hell

country as flag

Son, my poet friend will put in verse
My explanation as I become worse.
I’m not long for this world, but understand
The necessary hell of Afghanistan.

I can say it’s for my country, by that I mean
For you, your mom, and the America I’ve seen.
My death is for you, and all of your friends.
So, I have no regret as my life ends.

I die for those weaker everywhere.
Like your friend Billy in the wheel chair.
I fought to protect, and not to kill.
Though I did, in this necessary hell.

I would that your memory of me wasn’t a blur.
But sometimes evil men won’t let that occur.
And I hope you live long and that you live well.
But never be afraid of a necessary hell.

All that you have is because of those who like me
Decided they were less important than others they see.
Like the men who served in World War Two.
And the responders who left us when 9/11 was through.

I’ll be there in spirit when the flag meets your gaze.
Or when you stare at a summer morning haze.
When the wind gently brushes back your hair
Like my hand used to when I was there.

I’ll be there in the sky as a gentle cloud.
Pushed by a breeze like a life is allowed.
From horizon to horizon I slowly pass by.
I’ll go on like that cloud from your watchful eye.

My love was great for you and it is still,
I gave my life for you in this necessary hell.
So play and laugh. Enjoy the first snow.
My love will be above you as you play below.

I only wish I had time to instruct you in life.
But sometimes love demands sacrifice.
Know in the depths of your being, when my life is through.
That by more than mere talk, daddy proved he loved you.
By Jim Clevenger
Copyright 2007
Listed November 27, 2007
War and Tragedy Poems | Poem Categories
 
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