For the Heroes

For the Heroes

A poem written by Michael J Conlon

2015-06-06

One printed sheet

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June 6, 2015 Michael J. Conlon

For the Heroes

There was Scotty and Doug,
Geoff and thousands more.
Risking their lives,
As they flew off to war.
They were the heroes,
Not like you and me,
Fighting for freedom,
Against hate and tyranny.

Many nights they would fly,
Above the darkened land.
Shattering the stillness,
Like waves upon the sand.
Their softly spoken prayers,
For a safe return.
Carried in the wind,
For someone else to learn.

How many times
Would they see their comrades fall?
A blinding flash,
Then nothing left at all.
Fear turned to anger,
At such a tragic loss of life.
Fathers, sons, and brothers,
Never more to see the light.

And what about the loved ones,
Who are far away and alone?
Will their tears be of joy,
When they hear we have come home.
But their relief is tinged with sorrow,
At someone else's pain.
Just praying for the day,
When the sun will shine again.

This is for the heroes,
We know each one by name.
Thank you for the world we have,
And for bearing so much pain.
You will always be remembered,
No one can take away,
All the love and the gratitude,
We feel for you today.