Dottie Allen is my cousin and wrote this sometime last year... enjoy!
One Day I Met a Man
By Dottie Allen
One day I met a man, just home form the war.
He was so full of pain, my heart just tore.
He carried his burdens like they were wrapped in a sack,
and stumbled around like they were tied to his back.
I asked him why he didn't set them aside,
He said, "I fought for you and I did it with pride."
But I wasn't there, so how would I know the pain he went though
Unless he told me so. . . he said,
Pain can be like a light that's so bright, like a bomb exploding deep in the night.
Pain can be a heart breaking sight, like a best friend dying in terror and fright.
Pain can be strong; it can make you feel weak. Stumbling, gumbling, shelter you seek.
It can take your breath away! It can take you to your knees!
I begged him to stop. Please, Mister, please.
If you want to go on down life's winding road,
you have to find a way to lighten your load.
In honor of them, let go of the pain, so the life they gave wasn't given in vain.
Remind your sons and daughters so they appreciate
all the sacrifices made to make this country great.
Tell them you went over to defend democracy.
You were once a soldier and fought for liberty!
But they were not there, so how would they know,
that if it weren't for you they could never know that . . . .
Love can be a light that's so bright,
like the light in your love's eyes when you're holding her tight.
Love can be a heart breaking sight, like a baby's first breath when he enters this life.
Love can be strong; it can make you feel weak.
Pulsing, throbbing, yet ever so sweet.
For those who didn't make it, we will 'ever mourn,
but you're here with us friend, you've weathered the storm.
If your buddies were here, they;d want you to know
you should live for them, laugh for them, and let love grow.
So in all of our tomorrows we will hear no more,
one day I met a man, just home from the war.
