My Lucky Ones

After reading Wanda Bates story, "Wars and Rumors of War -- Part I -- Early Wars" I remembered a poem I have worked on for several years. Here it is.

My Lucky Ones

Through the long years of life
with wars and bloody strife.
My loved ones were there to fight
for freedom with all their might.

In 1776 our nation’s freedom was won.
Great grandfather was on the run
Risking his life he did his best.
Then received gratuity lands in the west.

Grandfather fought in the Civil War
Survived Andersonville though his health was poor
Many of his fellow prisoners died each day
Though they prayed for rain to wash the filth away.

Daddy was a veteran of the great World War
In France he fell wooded in bloody gore.
Over the years he stood straight and tall
Believing they’d won peace for all.

But nations couldn’t get along
In World War II to right the wrong.
It was my husband that helped to win
Soon freedom was won again.

Then came more conflict and Vietnam.
Bravely fighting with liberty’s psalms.
My son was there facing death
But he came home, he passed the test.

To raise sons and daughters to fill the need
To put down a tyrant so full of greed.
They could battle over there in desert strife
To once again save liberty’s life.

Story ID:	695
Written by:	Gail Lee Martin (bio, contact, other stories)
Organization:	Kansas Authors Club
Story type:	Poem
Location:	El Dorado Kansas USA
Year:	2006
Person:	Gail Martin