A Soldier's Mind

I am nothing more than a soldier, simply marching
Through this harsh and cruel weather, my body is parching
My fear is not only dying, but dying in a foreign land
Not being in my home nor someone holding my hand

My job is to serve in the military
Following orders raises my salary
Military work puts food in the table
As other jobs I am simply unable

I am a soldier and I am here to fight
Kill or be killed through my gun sight
Protecting the people who see me with hate
Invading their lands in an unstoppable rate

They simply see me as a government’s loyal dog
But I am simply following orders through snow and fog
Alas people shun me for what I do
I just want them to be in my shoes

All I know is that I’m doing my job
From killing attackers to quell angry mobs
I see the people with both pity and disgust
As they are oppressed yet I’m treated unjust

I don’t know to agree or disagree
About this war filled with controversy
Patriotism seems no longer the key
As protests sparking in every city

If I return home, will I be welcomed or hated?
Will they see me as savior or act as if I invaded?
I wonder if my own family would hug me again?
Or would they live a new life in their new den?

I have to keep my mind over matter
As I’m listening to all that radio chatter
But my strife is as heavy as a boulder
As my duty as an American soldier.