I Do it Because of LOVE
June 12, 2010
By Rose Marie Rideout

He had a hard, long, silent look
as promises he did say,
He’d always walk ahead of us,
Until his dying day.

He said he’d hold his head up,
Through the  clouds high in the sky,
He’d do what he must do for freedom,
Even if he must give his life and die.

He’d proudly wear his uniform,
As long as he’s alive,
He promised to do what it takes,
For each of us to survive.

His bed was cold and lonely,
Hard and never made,
The days and nights fell into one,
For the sacrifices that he gave.

He looked at the family photo,
That he held close to his heart,
Those faces he longed to see again,
Though they are now so far apart.

He could feel her every breath,
Hear every cry their baby made,
He wondered if she crys for him,
Does she worry, he may already be dead..

He could smell his Mama’s cookin,
His Pop’s old pipe out on the deck,
He could see his sister’s fear,
When it was his old car she wrecked.

Now his hands were rough and old,
His feet were so swollen and dry,
He said he’d fight for their freedom,
Even if it meant he had to die.

He joined his hands before his rest,
Please God, my Father up above,
Know that what I do for them,
I do it because of love.