THE SOLDIER

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Bryce Angell – The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

While sitting in the airport, I glanced up to look around. That’s when I saw him take a seat. A GI duty-bound.

The soldier sat there almost catatonic in his chair. He did not say a word. His eyes were fixed hard in a stare.

His black hair trimmed back short; the uniform was neatly pressed. He looked sharper than a preacher all decked out in Sunday best.

So, I mustered up the courage, then I offered my handshake. The soldier gripped my hand. For sure this man was no cupcake.

I thanked him for his service, his defense of liberty. He said, “Our country needs good men. It might as well be me.”

He said his aged grandpa, who had just turned ninety-five, had flown a plane in World War II, barely made it home alive.

His grandpa was his mentor. I’d say hero says it best. The young man now turned soldier standing out from all the rest.   

He said each time he left his home his heart would break to bits. Then told me he had two more years before he’d call it quits.

So, I asked him ‘bout his family. Has a wife and two young sons. He said his boys think Daddy is away out shooting guns.

When a lady with the microphone then called the soldier’s name. He said, “I better get on board.” He thanked me just the same.

He rose up from his chair. We stood there looking face to face. That day I’d met a soldier who deserved our God’s pure grace.

I watched him board the airplane. Nearly took my breath away, just knowing that this selfless man represents the USA.

What kind of man will risk his life to keep us safe and free, who doesn’t flaunt his good deeds or claim celebrity.

Our soldiers, men or women, sure could use a prayer or two. If you haven’t bent a knee, then for the soldier, try bending two.   

For those who’ve served our country and to soldiers who were slain. Let’s not forget our veterans. They did not serve in vain!