With every life, a universe untold,
A story written, brave and bold.
To take or spare, a choice profound,
In echoes of conscience, truth is found,
The weight of war, a heavy, crushing load,
Yet duty calls, a steadfast, rugged road.
With tempered spirit, facing every test,
A soldier's honor, put to the quest.
In fields of green or deserts vast and wide,
Where courage blooms and shadows hide,
A moral compass, steady, true and deep,
To sow compassion while the wounded sleep.

© rossdops