This came to me when my husband and I were talking about his basic training days. I have also had several conversations with other active duty soldiers.
The Bag
The bag was filled with many things.
There was even room for a few hopes and dreams.
The top of the class was the goal.
He ran he pushed and pulled to try and achieve.
His goal he did achieve.
Rather than go visit with friends, off to sand he was sent.
The bag was now green, once again filled with many things.
There was even room for a few hopes and fears.
He was not lying on a beach, but sent to protect a distant land.
His bag now held grains of foreign sand.
Peace was his hope and that of all his friends.
No one wants peace more than those sent to defend.
Copyright © 2020 Ann Bell Feinstein