A General's Prayer
By Niki Hollingsworth

First draft written on July 4, 2002. Revised July 5 and 6, 2002

I am a solider.
Staring down death, yet living to tell,
I go where my country sends.
Please, God, let it never be said
I did not give my all.

I am a general.
My life is told by the battles I've fought
More so by the battles I've lead.
Please, God, let it never be said
I sent my sons and daughters to do
Something I would not.

I am human.
I've tasted sweet nectar of victory
And bitter gall of tears
When my children did not come home.
Please, God, let it never be said
I didn't care.

I am praying
That we haven't fought the fight in vain,
Those I love dying for naught.
Please, God, let it never be said
Our cause is lost.

For if by war the peace may come
I'll fight the battle until it's won.