LOVE ME NOW DAD

 

1SG Robert M. Mayhew

 

The Army. What a journey.

The ebb and the flow.

Where it will take us

We really don’t know.

 

Guardians of freedom

With faith in our hands,

Hope in our hearts

As we take up our stand.

 

In training and vigilance,

Our energy’s spent.

Time is consumed,

That’s where it all went.

 

As we work to hone

A razor sharp edge,

On the sword that we wield

Our service we pledge.

 

But our families they watch us

With hurt in their eyes,

"Are we not as important,

Tell us Dad, Why?

 

Can you help me with homework?

Can you watch my ballgame?

A hug, a ‘Good Job’,

It’s all just the same.

 

It’s your time and attention,

Your acceptance and pride,

Of those who admire you

And are thirsty inside.

 

For your love and attention

A kiss on the cheek,

That’s what we want Dad

That’s what we seek.

 

You’ve only a moment,

As life shoots on by.

Please Love me now Dad,

For that, I do cry!"

 

My Child, dear Child

More precious than life,

And the lady who bore you

My friend, my Wife.

 

My feeble words

Do fail to convey,

The guilt in my heart

That won’t go away.

 

To think you’re loved less

Hurts so deep down inside,

That a drop of that love

Down my cheek softly glides.

 

Let someone else do it

I’ve heard it exclaimed,

But that someone is me

Life just wouldn’t be the same.

 

My path has been chosen

Since the day of my birth,

For no greater Love

Is there on earth.

 

The life we enjoy

Is costly indeed,

Brought with toil and blood

From a wee little seed.

 

Where it was planted and formed

Over two centuries ago,

The sacrifice of our founders

Their posterity won’t know.

 

How self-centered of me

How spoiled and vain,

Were I not to guard

This wide fertile plain.

 

For the Children to enjoy

All their long years,

A price proudly paid

No matter the tears.

 

Bloused and pressed

This uniform I wear,

Is a vivid reminder

Of how much I do care.

 

Explore Army life

Give it a chance,

Don’t be discouraged

At your very first glance.

 

One big family

Sharing frolics and fears,

Laughter and loneliness

Trials and tears.

 

God’s blessed this land

With unparalleled grace,

No where in the world

Can be found such a place.

 

For my Family my County

And our God above,

My service is how

I show you my Love!

 

Copyright © Robert M. Mayhew