Untitled Poem – Smiley

Untitled Poem
by Jim Smiley

Hey Sgt. Grit,
I am sending you this poem in hopes that it will be passed on to others that do not understand why we are Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen. I was in the Corps in the early 80's stationed at MCAGCC 29 Palms. I never was in any conflict but still I will defend my fellow military troops that have been there. I think that maybe the poem says it all.

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 the 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 may 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 and 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.