I Am the Soldier, a Tribute to American Troops

President Obama promises to end the war in Iraq and bring all American troops home by 2011. In the meantime, this is a tribute to those men and women in the military who are serving their country, far from home.

I am the soldier
who walks the line while you sleep,
I guard against those
who threaten our freedom, our peace;
I'm not trying to be a hero,
just trying to do the right thing.

I walk the line of justice
to keep fear and dread at bay,
Whether by dark of night
or by light of day
I am there.
And it's enough to know
I am in your thoughts and prayers.

I walk the wall with hope
that someday the wall comes down;
that all walls come down
and my feet can someday
tread a sidewalk,
because that day will mean
the world is living in peace,
and I will no longer need
to walk this wall.

I am the soldier
and I stand with pride
each time I see the colors
of my nation's flag fly
against the blinding azure
of a clear sky
unblemished by the ravages of war.

I come from your hometown,
from your neighbor's hometown;
I am known by many names,
faces, colors and creeds;
I stand at the ready
to keep my nation free.

Whether army, navy, airforce or marine:

I am the soldier.

Sleep soundly on my watch.