I woke up this morning in a strange new land
All I can see is the hot, white, sand
Dust is flying through the air
Soldiers are walking everywhere
Surounded by people yet still alone
My mind is filled with thoughts of home
Sweat is burning in my eye
Sun beaming down from the dust-filled sky
I wish the day was over, but it just began
and still I stand

Covered in sand from my head to my feet
These great expectations I'm expected to meet
Do a lot of work on a little sleep
Sometimes I dont even have time to eat
My heart is heavy, my body tired
My soul is weary, my strength expired
Driven down by the wind and sand
but still I stand

Standing gaurd throughout the night
Longing for the morning light
Praying for strength to stand and fight
Wondering if its wrong or right
Thoughts and feelings tear me apart
Hopes and doubts fill my heart
Fighting myself again and again
but still I stand

I've seen movies and T.V. shows
of regular people becoming heroes
I think to myself that would be nice
Yet every hero pays a price
My whole life through, I've told myself
that I'll be somebody, have respect and wealth
Not just an everyday Joe on the street
but someone everyone wants to meet
My chance to do this is now at hand
and still I stand

Cops and robbers, G.I.Joe
Cowboys and Indians things we all know
Childhood games become real life
but theres no cap-gun bullets
theres no plastic knife
Theres cold, hard steel in a sheath on my chest
and a killing machine cross my back on my vest
thirty live rounds I hold in my hand
and still I stand

I'm scared to death but I can't let it show
They'll think that I'm weak if they ever know
"Oh the war is over, theres no danger here"
Nomatter what they say, I still feel the fear
but I stand tall and proud, because I'm a "tough guy"
but sometimes I just want to break down and cry
A scared, little boy trying to be a man
but still I stand

What will I do if I'm faced with the choice?
Will I pull the trigger? Will I freeze at the voice?
The voice in my heart, tells me right from wrong
but now its all different, it's not the same song
Kill or be killed? Him or me?
Life or death? What will it be?
I know it will hurt to kill another man
but whatever it takes
still I will stand

God please forgive me for the things I've done
and guide my way for the things to come
Decisions to make, life and death
Fight till the end, until my last breath
If pride is a sin, then I am a sinner
I'm proud to be here 'cause I am a winner
I'll fight a good fight, my weapon in hand
and when it's all over
still I will stand      

                                                                                                                                                      11Nov2004

                                                                                                                                                                    JD