Shivering in the cold,
Awakened by the distant clap of artillery,
Hunger stabbing at my stomach,
As my heart is splintered with fear.
My mind broadcasts bursts of haunting images,
The smell of buildings and burning flesh,
The mournful sound of the dead and dying,
The deafening heartache of the living.
I pray in silence for God to protect me,
Tears flow within my soul for my family,
Joined by the tears of those around me,
Tears rise as a mist and disappear unnoticed.
I want to be home, to be warm,
To be loved again.
To laugh, to smile, to embrace.
To see my wife, my children.
The sun rises and I am up,
Pushing forward
In spite of my night
I must return to the fight.
For I am a soldier.
© Dr. James D. Allen, 2023
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!