GI's Lament

Hi Mom and Dad

Yes it’s me, the son that went bad

Seventeen years since I last wrote

So I thought you might this written note

I went off the rails a long time ago

So I just wanted to let you know

I love and miss you both a lot

Wanted to say that in case I get shot

Been in the Marines for quite a few years

Stripes on my arm, brings many fears

Whether I will ever return home or die

And folks back home sit and wonder why

I let you down, I know I disappointed you

But now I want to try and make it right too

I have worked hard to become a good soldier

Got my courage from you now that I am older

The Army taught me right from wrong

Made me feel good and made me strong

A leader of men I now have become

Do my best to keep them safe, and bring them back home

I’ve been wounded in action quite a few times

March and fighting away in hot climes

Have taken no pleasure from killing the enemies men

But it has to be done every now and again

One day I hope I will make you proud

Having a son who stands out from the crowd

Medals galore, more to be won

Despite all the glory life is no fun

Many of my friends are now dead and gone

I just hope and pray I will not be the next one

Must go now so please don’t get down

Someday I will return to my beloved home town

I really miss my son Ben and my lovely wife Molly Mae

How are they I wonder,  I have missed them every day

Will they remember the man they never see

Because I still love and care a lot and home I where I want to be

Went away during the bad times in my life

Left behind my Child and my loving wife

They must hate me now. That I understand

No longer their love can I hope to command

But I will try to win their love back

Now I am no longer on the wrong track

Their forgiveness I must seek to gain

And remove all the memories of this terrible pain

So long Mom so long Dad

Me the son you no longer had

He now needs your love, you have always had mine

Even though at times I have been such swine

I learned the hard way that life is tough

It’s often brutal and can be quite rough

Though never showed it, I really need your love

Just the touch of your hand like a velvet glove

And Dad’s wise words I never heeded

Now evermore will wanted and heeded

My family close by in a loving compound

It’s my intention to astound

To make amends for all the hurt I have done

Hopefully to be forgiven by everyone

I will soon be home, my work here is completed

Never no more my mistakes will be repeated.