This first appeared in The Havok Journal on December 27, 2018, by a Ranger who wishes to remain anonymous, who was moved to write after the spate of suicides in the Special Operations and Veteran communities.
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An empty chair standing still
An empty chair- absence filled
They’re missing soldiers off to war
Fighting enemies ne’er seen before
Shielded warriors- many come home
Proud of duties that they performed
Armor off, swords sheathed
Now it’s time to settle and breathe
Yet haunting thoughts come at night
Long lost friends fill my mind
Look around- yet no one knows
The things I’ve seen, and can’t expose
Even still most don’t understand
What it’s like to be there and back again
To serve so proud, to fight so hard
To have this feeling of un-resolve
Drinking deep calms my mind, drinking longer seals the bind.
Is it worth it- life so dear? What will it be like going from here?
Thinking longer – I cannot go on; to live this life – I’ve failed – not won
Dishonoring thoughts fill the void, sadness looms -a devastating noise
At the darkest point – I look and see – an empty chair at a table set before me
A voice speaks out: “This place is for you
Well done good man- I’ve seen all you do
Rest your head, close your eyes
I will take care of these lies.
You served well- with all your might
You fought hard, with no end in sight
Now you’re back, but the war’s not done
But if you so choose you can take your dreams and run
Your service- a sacrifice- is all for your gain
It was not time lost- it was not all in vain
So go out good soldier and fight for your neighbor
Fight for your city, your country, your Savior
One day I will call you, but not by your hand
Right now you must trust my demands
I demand your courage to keep moving on
I demand your life to be lived – not to be shit on
I demand your best, your talents, your strength
I demand all I have given you, you’ve never been faint
Your friends who are gone- they paid the price
Don’t trample their sacrifice – don’t throw away your life
Lift up your head, lift up your mind
See all before you, all the blessings to find
There is hope strong warrior, there is still so much in store
Take your seat at my table
And know that you are cherished, admired, loved, adored
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