Why Daddy Why?

 

Today I saw a Marine cry

Why Daddy Why?

He looked so tired and beaten

But proud,  I cannot deny.

Can you help me in understanding?

The tear, which escaped his eye?

 

Son he was not sad, but remembering days gone by; Days and nights when his brothers and buddies began to die. He remembers the ‘good old days’ when they were alive  He’s missing them dearly now and asking; "Why did I survive?"

He can still taste the sweat and dirt

And feel the scorching heat deep inside.

He stands as tall as he is able

Doing his best to express his pride.

 

He will never forget the pain of those days

The physical and the mental; both left their mark

Too many restless nights he has tried to sleep,

And yes son, he is afraid of the dark.

 

He became a man in a teenager’s mind

Not fully understanding his country’s call to arms

Feelings of guilt often leave him blind

But he’d do it again at the ringing of the first alarm.

 

He remembers the pains added upon his return;

From a portion of a nation that did not believe

in the fight.

Honor, Respect and Patriotism were

replaced with scorn

Believe me, son the scars are with him all day and night.

My son, today you saw a proud and heroic Marine

One who keeps fighting the fight.

He’s among the very best our nation has ever seen

Thank you for asking my son, now…good night.