I just came across a really old book of "Songs" I wrote starting when I was about 12 or so. I thought I had thrown out this book years ago, so it was fun to discover I still had it. Finding stuff you wrote at that age is usually good for a laugh or two. There was one song I thought I'd share, in light of the current wars. I wrote this some time around April or May in 1991, right after my Dad came back from Desert Storm. I can still hear the tune I made up to go with it, even after all this time. I'm no great writer (and no laughing! - I was only 15 at the time), but re-reading this brought back all the feelings I had about my Dad leaving. I'm glad I found the book.
I remember well the day
The sky was dark and gray
When you told us you'd be leaving for awhile.
You said you had been told
That soon you'd have to go
I nodded, trying hard to show a smile.
You were called to serve your country
And you stood up proud and tall
You knew that there were dangers
But you would never fall
I know that there are reasons
Although it's hard to say
Why people act the way they do
I just pray that they'd let God show them the way.
The time seemed to fly
And when you had to say good-bye
You were calm but I sensed fear within your eyes.
Months passed and you weren't here
To spread your love and cheer
How I wished that I could only realize
That you were called to serve your country
You stood up proud and tall
You knew that there were dangers
But you would never fall
I know that there are reasons
Although it's hard to say
Why people do the things they do
I just pray that they'd let God show them the way.
Finally one day you came
I thanked God right away
If only all families could have also done the same.
