He remembers all his days of past
Of living large and living fast
But what he thinks of most by far
Are traces of nightmares through battle scars

Night and day, there was never relief
Like a jagged knife plunged in so deep
The pain and misery he saw all around
As his brothers of war each fell to the ground

He never quit defending the love of his land
Right to the moment he was dealt his hand
He was true and loyal through it all
Up until the moment he took his fall

He laid there in pain and bitter tears
Thinking of all his wonderful years
While there beneath the stars
He unconsciously counted his battle scars

And still today he remembers the pain
Here to haunt him and always remain
He received no ribbons or medals of gold
But through his scars our history is told

© 2000 Janie Johnson