Soldier

Even though the well rehearsed scene has been played out many times before, my eyes continue to burn with the pain of your departure. Although I drown in unexpected tears, I still feel pride as you walk away. For now you walk the path of a hero. Far from your mind is the distress in your own place; now your heart and your mind exist to protect them. In a world of dangerous chaos, you don your invisible shield and head out into the darkened war of human survival. Without fear, you place the needs of the damaged innocent far before your very own. Always a shining knight, you defy the stabbing words of those who so easily critique the bravery that they would never show. Their verbal pebbles bounce off your silver armor and only add to the strength you constantly maintain. Never allow those ignorant onlookers to defile the courageousness that you and all your brothers show. Champions in an unappreciative world, you will always be my heroes.