11/14 co-winner contest in FMS Activities and Contests.
Thank the Lord for writing. |
The Soldier by Steve Cope 01-31-2009 A Contest entry at P2S Original title from Norma #2733 01-10-2009 The soldier looked to his right and saw the sun lowering. He knew it would soon set and then the cold would intensify. Everytime the sun set he steeled himself against the Searing cold and hunkered a little deeper into his jacket. On watch, there is no place to go and all atention is needed. Looking over his appointed territory with skilled eyes and Deft detection of anything out of the ordinary. From out of nowhere the grenade landed, Edging to a stop mere yards from the children Reveling in the past few weeks of quiet and peace. Panic broke out amongst the children but The Soldier; out of sheer instinct; scooped the grenade up and threw it in the direction of the forest. In mid-air the explosion ocurred, and it was warm for a short while afterward. The children cheered because They were saved and clambored To and fro, thanking the soldier for his protection. In the forest an enemy soldier cries out And falls to the ground from the tree, Where she had thrown the grenade. The concussion of the blast stunned her and now She finds herself being attened to By the medics of her enemy. "Why are they being kind and gentle to me?" The girl asked not understanding, For she so purely hated them. The Soldier walked up to her, Temporarily releived from his post To attend to the ringing in his ears. And the two just locked eyes for a moment. The enemy soldier; this girl so fragile and afraid; Feared the worst yet received the care she needed. The Soldier said the one thing that Changed her outlook, all in a single moment. "I forgive you." With those words the War was over for the enemy soldier. And she rested knowing she would not return to battle. The Soldier; back on post; Surveys the territory with trained eyes. Looking to his left, he spies a sliver of brightness And knows his duty will soon be ended, For you see today The Soldier goes home, His duty done and country served, Lives saved Lives changed all in a days service. |