All my life I've had to measure up to my siblings and their deeds.
To my sister, computer genius, who on the sports field leads.
I'm the dreamer, I'm the poet, I'm the one who reads all day.
My goals are just as high, though from your ideals stray.
I thought about the Army and you laughed right in my face.
I mentioned the Coast Guard, and you took it with bad grace.
So when researching the Corps, to say nothing was what I vowed.
But then I knew I'd found my niche; I'd join the few and proud.
I told you what I planned and you tried to change my mind.
You asked me to rethink it; politely I declined.
You're not gonna bring me down this time, this is what I want to do,
I'm determined, I'm decided, and I'm gonna see this through.
And I'm sorry that this choice I've made isn't what you'd hoped of me,
But is it too much to ask your support in what I want to be?
I know that you are worried, trust me, I don't want to fall.
But if that's the price of freedom, then I will give my all.
I'm gonna be a U.S. Marine, protect Americans.
I can't explain my motives, just try to understand.
I won't watch from the sidelines, this is what I'm called to do.
I'll gladly endure hardships to safeguard those like you.
I'll be a U.S. Marine, protect Americans...
Author notes
Written to the tune of Toby Keith's "American Soldier". This is dedicated to my mom.
Written May 24th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- 1,2,3,4, i Love Marine Corps by ilove that70s show.
300 points, ended November 5, 2006, 6 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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And yet here you are, Army Strong. And strong as can be. I proud to serve beside you. In this American Army.
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This is absolutely amazing. The message your words carry is unbending and incredibly strong. I really enjoyed the story and the flow.
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wow, this would make a great song. It reminds me of the "wake me up when sept. ends" video by Greenday. Wonderful story/poem. I like it. Thank you for entering my contest. Im sorry it took so long to comment and judge.
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beautifully said and written! good luck with things... i hope this truly is the best decision for you (as it is not always the best decision for everyone who makes it) and that you realize one day you'll go higher than you thought before...
good luck!! and stay proud.
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Proud
I'll say this here cause my contest poem was not on this subject. This is a great piece. Before the war i was strongly thinking about joining the armed forces. So stronly that i had set up appointments with a recruiter with the marines. My Godfather and uncle was a marine and i wanted the dicipline the military could offer me. Unfourtunately a medical issue arose and i was denied entering basic training. Although i am somewhat grateful for not being able to enrole, i still wish to serve our country. I just wish that the leaders of our country would be straight with the american public as to why they are sending our sons and daughters into war.
I strongly support your decision, just make sure you are truely doing it for the right reasons i guess is what im saying. I know that personally im thinking about things is can do for my community, you know volenteer stuff. Well best of Luck to you. -
First, I think your poem was wonderful. I could go on and on about this topic; but you have eloquently phrased what must be a very emotional issue. If this was written from your heart, I hope you are making this decision based on what you truly want to do, not what you think your Mom would least want you to do. Good luck and God bless.
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good write. Your syllable count was all over the place but other than that it flowed well and obviously got to many of those who read it in some emotional way. It has always been said that poets and artists have changed and enlightened the world and many societies over the millenia, but not usually by rushing out in front of a bullet. If your gift is writing, then use that medium to make the world a better place.
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awesome
this was awesome and powerful i like alot -
i applaud your decision to make a committment even if i don't support joining the military.i feel that you have the right to the unconditional love of your family,so as hard as it may be for them,it's your life and you will be in my prayers.i hope that you be safe and make yourself proud.the rents will come around.
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Well, silhouetted lyric, I have to say that, being a fan of rhyme, and DETESTING free verse, I was impressed with the flow and rhyme of this piece.
Having said that, now to the content. It's laudable that you've made a decision which your peers may not agree with, but "to protect Americans" ?
That's a bit sickly isn't it.
If you go over to Iraq and become a victim of one of those Al Quaeda F***g nutcases (the suicide bombers), it'll be yet one more poor life wasted.
Think carefully about what you are doing.
All the best.
Robin. -
this is a great write.i love it its powerful and patriotic and determined
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Okay, I'm starting to brim tears a bit after reading this. I think it's because I can relate, an ex-boyfriend of mine, who really meant a great deal to me was in the process of joining the navy, and my dad's been in the reserves for years now. I just want to say that even if your mom can't see the good in what you're doing, then I certainly can. Not to mention many other proud AP-ers I'm sure. Keep your dreams, hunn... and live up to your own standards, not someone elses
~Smidge~
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Thoughts are flying..
Sometime the dreams are taking poet towards their future note. This poem is the example of that categotry.In fact poetry is the serious exercise,A serious poet ,if not, serious in writing then poetry will take over the poet, then each small or big activity of the life will become part of the poetry, while it is just an original painiting of the heart and the mind which should mark the original impact. However .I appreciate the write as well .prabhudayal khattar -
Superb
WOWWWWWWW this is very powerful,and also amazing. I give this Five Stars ***** and I so hope to read more of your fine writes. Thank you for sharing this with my family and I. Keep up the awesome job you do. -
this is really powerful!! and i went through a similar situation at home hence my poem "dear mum and dad" but i love how you have written yours without any sort of malice, and now it seems that i shouldn't have written mine how i did, if you wouldn't mind reading through it'd be very much appreciated. good luck in your chosen career
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