I went in search of more of Michael Marks’ poems and I came across this one. (I did find more of his poems too, but you’ll have to wait for those!) This poem really hit me because it so closely describes how I feel and why I became a Soldiers’ Angel. And yes, this is a kleenex warning.
Going Home For Christmas
by Christina A. Sharik
I saw you in the airport
as I flew home yesterday~
walking tall, and somewhat stiff
daring us to say
Hey Soldier Boy
in uniform
have you killed Iraqis yet?
Hey Navy guy
in pristine white
how will you dare forget?
And so I tried to catch
your eye
As you went striding by
I smiled at every one of you
and struggled not to cry
You seem so very young to me
Each one could be my son
I sometimes feel as old as God
when I think of what you’ve done
When I think of where you
might have been,
and where you might yet go
I pray for you, and wish you well
and I want to let you know
that someone noticed, and
was proud
as you went walking by
with your duffle bag
and lettered name
and oh, I had to sigh
You are a man
in certain terms;
and you’ve been far a-field
but I can see the man you are
gently fade, and yield
into the son, the child you are
as you find your mother’s eyes
and she enfolds you in her arms;
and smothers you in sighs ~
Your solitary walk is done
You’re no longer all alone
Merry Christmas, Soldier Boy
and a hearty Welcome Home.
©Copyright December 20, 2004 by Christina A. Sharik
That’s so lovely ~
I thought so too, Yankeemom! I’ve found more poems, too…so get those kleenex ready!
It’s true. When I notice our brave young people in uniform (especially in airports at holiday time), I like to briefly acknowledge them — & imagine they are en route to a mom and/or dad who can’t wait to envelop them in their arms & allow them to, once again, become the sweet boy or girl they still harbor inside. Also, it really IS a wonderful feeling to serve as a part-time, surrogate parent by being part of “soldiers’ angels.”
That was a great poem, Anna!
Thanks Trish. It really is a “Soldiers’ Angel” type poem!
Beautiful Anna.
I thought so too, M*A!
Nice poem, I hope many get to be home for Christmas.
Me, too Malinda!
That was so moving! Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for stopping by, Miriam and I am very glad you enjoyed it. I only wish I could write my feelings so poetically!
Hi:
This is my poem, and I just wanted to say thanks for posting it here, and for the nice comments. My son’s been in the Army for 20 years now.
Hugs to all,
Christina
I’m so glad that you stopped by. I absolutely love this poem, Christina. It really does say my feelings behind becoming a soldiers’ angel!
Thank you for raising such a son and for sharing him with us in this poem. Thanks to your son as well for his service to our country!