Soldier

A young man in green fatigues

Was walking down the street

With a duffle bag and a solemn face

In the humid Georgia heat

An older man was strolling by

Along that same old Road

He greeted the soldier and shook his hand

And asked to carry his load

The young man smiled and thanked him

But continued on his way

So the old man turned around and asked

Where ya headed to today

The soldier said I live round here

I thinks it's about a mile

Everything looks different now

See I've been away awhile

The man said if you don't mind

I'll walk along with you

The young man said sure that'd be fine

A lot round here looks new

They walked and talked and laughed a bit

I think we're getting near

I can't remember much these days

As the soldier shed a tear

I wanted to fight for freedom

I wanted to do what's right

But we didn't see them coming

They ambushed us that night

I didn't tell my family

I felt so damned ashamed

I lost two of my brothers

I feel like I'm to blame

The old man stopped him in his tracks

And raised his voice a bit

There's nothing to be ashamed of

You got injured, you didn't quit

I have no scars to show you

He said as he hung his head

I wasn't shot, I lost no limbs

Sometimes I wish I was dead

The old man took him in his arms

And whispered in his ear

God has a great plan for you

That's the reason you are here

So hold your head up high

You gave all you had to give

Now it's time to move on

You have a new life to live

The old man led him to a house

And said I'm glad that our paths crossed

You're home now soldier, walk inside

You're no longer lost

I've waited so long for this day

I never thought it would come

I'm as proud as I could ever be

Welcome home son, welcome home.