Tough As Nails

Sepia shades in an old scrapbook
Trace a soldier’s somber face,
But look past the eyes and peer in his soul
For a glimpse into human grace.

Over five hundred days in a deafening war
Fought in Anzio, Rome and France
Brought Lieutenant’s bars and Silver Stars
For this man with a solid stance.

Courage to stand on the battlefield
And look at fury in the eye,
Was a choice that was made by this brave soul
And still defines his battle cry.

Though now his battles of Life are fought
On peaceful soil it’s true,
The same strength that came back in ‘44
Is the strength that still gets him through.

Dyed in the wool and tough as nails,
This ol’soldier still stands tall,
But if I try to grasp his sacrifice
I feel oh, so very small…

Dedicated to Mel Hibbets
Veterans Day 2009