Erika N. Chester

LOSING A MAN, GAINING A SOLDIER

Always everything to everyone
Never letting the image slip.
Duty bound and honor ridden
You’ll never let fear take grip.

When sent to keep us safe
Your walls came up and shut
Us out, with no words could
You be swayed.

Keeping true to training and
Making any drill sergeant proud
Never showing stress or heart-
Ache, no emotion was allowed.

But you cannot hide the truth
From me, I’ve know you all these
Years. I see your every thought,
Every doubt, and all your fears.

I know you miss me now, ever
Before you leave, but don’t worry
They’ll keep you busy, you
Won’t have time to grieve.

I know I said I wouldn’t cry, though
Tears form even now, I just need
You to know, my man, my soldier,
How much you make me proud.