A Soldier's Memoir

Have you
ever been
scorched
by a cherry
glowing 
muzzle?

I have

Have you
ever tasted
soil
in a puddle
with
rain
pouring
down 
on you
in the
middle
of the bush
waiting
for
orders

I have

Have you 
ever been
beaten,
profusely bruised,
while
catching a ride
in 
a
M1 Abrams MBT 
Tank

I have

Have you
ever seen
the tears
of  broken
hearted
Parents
when they
get the
news
that their
son
will 
not be
coming
home?

I have

and
because
I have

I stand during the National Anthem .........................................