Soldier

It was truly a witness to see a leader the world never saw,
A man who made no apologies for his flaws, right or wrong,
Never afraid to face life's battle, with the strength of a thousand oxen
Strength is what you possessed, because strength was your only option,

Amongst your journey, life taught you many lessons that hardened your heart,
These lessons came at a price in the form of battle scars,
These lessons came at a price, anger and rage you would display,
Which effected your children, to whom it was you they would emulate,
But with time, these children would conceive children of they own,
Who would look at you as a grandfather to whom they wanted to know,

You'd shared your war stories, wisdom, and pain,
All in hopes to make a positive change,
A true survivor of oppression, crime, poverty, drugs, and alcohol,
A true hero, but a soldier who really seen it all,
Every battle you won, rather big or small,
Until cancer came, and numbered your days with us all,

You fought the good fight with the same strength you possessed your whole life,
No fear is what you had as you looked death in his eyes,
Unfortunately this was a fight that resulted in your demise,
But just know grandpa, this fight you won for life,
Because your children and grandchildren will always remember the legacy you left behind.

Rest in peace soldier.