I roam in a land not my own and hear cries of hurting people,
Why am I here? Whom do I serve?
This place that once shined with beauty and mystery once holy now lies in ruins.

Can anything good come from war?
I'm a soldier, called to serve, to die if needed;
To a cause that we hope is honorable.

I look in all directions, overwhelmed, for my enemies surround me,
But as soldiers we risk our lives for a cause that is universal:
Freedom from tyranny,
Freedom from injustice,
Freedom from oppression,
Freedom from the evils of this world;

These are reasons to defend the rights of others,
Those who cannot defend themselves,
Therefore, I have chosen to be a soldier,

Remember us during our days of service,
Honor us when we have finished serving.

Dedicated to all Soldiers fighting for the freedom of others around the world.
Paul Zarkas, 1975-1985 United States Army, Airborne, Ranger Recon
copyright by Paul Zarkas 2008