Soldier's Business

Racing from the gilded fort and never once to turn,
No repentant shout nor silent thought of valiance to burn.

And stood he by, attentive; why did he stalwart stay,
For king and country and all her glory, no mercenary pay.

Abandoned loves for greater things; business to be done,
Nor to return until he learns the general battle won.

Though a private, the least of grunt is his only name,
But by and by is honored still included in the game.

Whence came wars and fights among him; injuries and death?
But wicked lies and vile slander in every sinners breath.

And though his ruler poses good, the enemy wise the same,
The soldier serves the weaker set, devoid of all their shame.

But to his God he's faithful most since he's not god enough,
Praises Him at every whim with cig'rette's savored puff.

By Evan Gunn Wilson