So often, when we think of a soldier fighting in a war
the things that come to our minds is death, destruction, blood and gore
but there is something else in him that refuses to hide
even a soldier has a gentle side.

Wherever he goes, he's wary and cautious, 'cause he knows he's in harm's way
but sometimes, when he sees little children, he remembers another day
when he left his own children at home. The children here he now defends
So, he stops when he can to make new friends.

But the memories of home are always there; they never fade
he looks forward to the day when he can again go home, unafraid
in the meantime, he anxiously waits for a loved one's letter
a little R & R is good but a letter from home is always much better.

Some soldiers just go on from day to day, hoping for the best
never knowing what tomorrow may bring, just always being stressed
but others seem to possess an inner calm and are well aware
of the power, love and safety of those gathered in prayer.

Some say soldiers never get used to war's destruction, the dead and dying
and those that say they don't mind it, I think they're lying
but some soldiers won't hesitate to pick up a child; their feelings they won't hide
and for a few minutes, there is a soldier with a gentle side.

Rick Harris
Nov 1, 2004