The Soldier’s Prayer

In memory of Mark Yanaway.

That Friday afternoon (I was having a bad day) 

You said goodbye, smiling 

“Be safe, have fun, live a little.”

And I thanked God for you. 

 

At your wake (170 hours since you left)

I could only picture 

My prom dress that night �"

Nothing compared to your daughter’s. 

 

At your funeral (they buried you an hour away)

The words somehow caught me,

Through gasps and sobs, someone asked:

Why did you do it? 

 

I sang with the choir (because they asked)

About warriors, stoics, military men, 

And people you never had to be.  

Cursing above: 

 

Hear us, Lord (Praise our God above), 

Provide him peace

You did all You could

Let his suffering cease. 

 

Hear me, Lord (because I can’t hear You). 

Give up on your act

For none of our prayers

Could ever bring him back.