This poem was in a letter from a Marine in Kuwait dated 9 March 2003.
The Marines were hearing about the anti-war protests and they were
upset. That' s all the letter talked about. This Marine enclosed a poem
he and his buddies wrote. He wants us to get it out, please read and
pass it on..
"Wish You Were Here"
For all the free people that still protest.
You're welcome. We protect you and you are protected by the best.
Your voice is strong and loud,
But who will fight for you? No one standing in your crowd.
We are your fathers, brothers, and sons,
Wearing the boots and carrying guns.
We are the ones that leave all we own,
To make sure your future is carved in stone.
We are the ones who fight and die,
We might not be able to save the world, Well, at least we try.
We walked the paths to where we are at
And we want no choice other than that.
So when you rally your group to complain,
Take a look in the back of your brain.
In order for that flag you love to fly,
Wars must be fought and young men must die.
We came here to fight for the ones we hold dear.
If that's not respected, we would rather stay here.
So please stop yelling, put down your signs,
And pray for those behind enemy lines.
When the conflict is over and all is well,
Be thankful that we chose to go through hell.
Corporal Joshua Miles and all the boys from 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines, Kuwait
I GOT YOUR BACK
I am a small and precious child, my dad’s been sent to fight…
The only place I’ll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy’s got your back.
I am a caring mother; my son has gone to war…
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I’m terrified, in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile, as I watch my husband pack…
My heart may break, but I am proud.
My husband’s got your back…
I am a soldier…
Serving proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I’ll come home.
It’s me who’s got your back.
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(The above received in email 3/14/05 with no author listed) (post script- I received email yesterday with the author listed as:Autumn Parker, and the following url is her website, and can be accessed here
Thank you to both the sender and the
author!
(Disclaimer: The above poems and picture were received in separate emails. I have done my best to give credit where it is due. Please for any questions about the above.)