by Phil Driscoll

Soldier…
standing on the battle line
finding comfort,
in the water and the wine,
and your armor, still so shiny and so new
but you’re dirty worn and tired
from the battles you’ve been through

Soldier,
keep your eyes straight ahead
Help the wounded,
though it hurts you leave the dead
Keep your weapons
and your Spirit
at the ready all the time
Be of courage and conviction,
hit the mark,
and toe the line

Tonight when all the lights go out
and you lie down to rest
Know that I’m proud of you,
I know you’ve done you best

Let Me give you peace,
Let Me hold you for awhile
Yes you are a mighty warrior, but don’t forget,
no don’t forget,
you are still My child

Soldier, standing on the battle line,
Finding comfort
in the water and the wine
Though I am with you,
when this old world keeps charging in,
I’ll stay with you,
I’ll see you through to the very end.

Soldier,
keep My flag flying high,
Don’t let it fall in battle,
or be stolen in the night.
And above all else,
this, soldier:
Don’t you lose your battle cry,
‘Cause My army’s fighting with you,
and I’m standing by your side.

You’re a mighty warrior, but you’re still My child
You’re a mighty warrior, but you’re still My child
You’re a mighty warrior, but you’re still My child

Yes you are a mighty warrior, but don’t forget,
don’t forget,
you are still My child.

If this offering stirred something in you—
a memory,
a question,
a flicker of light—
you are welcome to share
your reflection below.
No need for eloquence.
No need for certainty.
Just a lantern,
gently placed.