He took that first step onto the battlefield.

At just twenty-two years of age, his fate was sealed.

Shaking violently, a child in man’s hell.

In his mind he anticipated death's knell.

Within his heart he felt his family’s love.

God gave him all his strength from heaven above.

Deep breaths, he pushed through the paralyzing fear.

His patriotic duty had led him here.

This was how he could protect the ones he loved.

He fought this war for his children, flesh, and blood.

A man who loved his freedom and his country. 

Like those who fought before so he could be free.

He heard the enemy’s ambush from behind. 

Showed bravery that he didn’t know he could find. 

He was proud of himself, he fought valiantly. 

He fell to the ground, facing mortality.

He rested, no longer feeling the sadness. 

It was pure peace, submitting to such madness.

As he felt the comforting Angel’s embrace,

He smiled as he approached God’s Heavenly gates.