“SOLDIER IS HIS NAME”
“Soldier is His Name” is a poem I wrote for my late daddy retired Staff Sargent Homer Demonbreun, Jr. I wrote it one evening while in the midst of battling the Veteran’s Administration for his disability compensation. I was a worn out caregiver exhausted by what seemed to be an endless battle fighting for my elderly soldier daddy. I felt his pain in a way I never imagined I could. Out of that pain and empathy Lord Jesus Christ birthed from my soul “Soldier is His Name”. It is now in my published work “The Soul Of a Soldier”. It is available for purchase on my published books page”.
Eager in his youth to make his family proud
Committed to being the man he was molded to be
A man of an era unlike today
Determined to make every dream a reality
His masculinity highly regarded
Innocent of the world and all its demands
Mustache faint and his stature unsure
Honor sweet before his eyes
Afraid but committed to the land he calls home
Allegiance resting on his chest despite the heartbeats of fear
His voice timid as he answers the call
To serve his country and protect all
Enduring boot camp as it introduces him to the stressors of his new life
Handsome he stands in full dress code
Family absent he learns to navigate his soul
Hardened by the cruel realities of war
Many miles from home over waters deep
In a country unfamiliar embattled with unrest
Fatigued with the burden to conquer for his country
Blood shed all around, bombs bursting in proximity
Chemicals eating his flesh while fear feasts on his hope
Diligent to keep the pain secure from his lips
He knows the fight is fierce, yet he carries his valor
His family and friends not inclusive of his love
He fights for millions he will never even meet
Saluting his commanders, he walks dignified in his plight
Years away from home has reshaped his manly stance
Observing deaths horrible beyond comprehension
Determined to answer the call of protecting his love of interest
The United States of America, a country he holds dear to his heart
This great nation, his home, pride and legacy
His reception as he planted his feet on familiar ground pierced his soul with unwelcoming voices of ignorant arrogance
Fighting for a people that belittled his sacrifice
Now old in his years and brittle in view
The same struggles he had then carries in his heart
The denial of his worth during his time of need
He lays in his bed of affliction reminded of his rejection
Hurt by the fact his efforts reside in vain
Abandoned of assistance, neglected when in true need
His need to be honored for his courageous resort
Now old and feeble he wonders where the years went
The very sacrifice he made is now the trademark of his shame
Struggling to put food to mouth, bedridden and tired
All his eyes can see is his need and honor demeaned
The ones he fought to protect now leave him abandoned without hope
“SOLDIER IS HIS NAME”
Lovingly written with a heart of empathy and honor
for my daddy Veteran Homer Demonbreun, Jr., and all Vietnam veterans.
I pray the Veterans Administration steps up to the call of these courageous men and all our soldiers who loved us enough to fight for us!
Brenda Demonbreun
Copywritten and Trademark
C/o: holy antiseptic publishing house 2020