Dreams
I want to be a fireman, the little boy said, with a shout,
I want to drive the fire truck, I want to put a fire out.
The little girl behind him said she wants to be a cop,
She wants to keep her family safe and bring criminals to a stop.
I want to be an astronaut, another voice was heard,
I want to be a minister, because I love to read God’s word.
I want to be a captain, and sail the seven seas,
I want to be a doctor, to get rid of all disease.
The teacher sat and listened, as each child told its dream.
She seen their smiling faces, as they lit up with a gleam.
All of them were having fun, excitement filled the air,
It was hard for her to hold back tears, in a room with so much care.
There was no talk of hatred, much less the sound of violence,
But then she seen, to her dismay, one boy who sat in silence.
Ash she looked at that young land, she didn’t know what to say,
This little boy seemed troubled, as he turned his eyes away.
She knew she had to ask him, as his face was drained and sad,
He told her in a whisper that he wanted to be JUST like his dad.
My daddy had to go away, he now’s in heaven without fear,
He died in Afghanistan, trying to keep the war away from here.
You see my daddy loved us, and for that, he gave his all,
I want to be a solider, so our freedoms will not fall.
The teacher’s heart grew heavy as she thought of what he said,
She remembered all the fighting men, who did the same and now lay dead.
She had wanted to be a teacher, but now her teachings were all a blur,
For as she looked upon this boy, she found it was him that was teaching her.
Thousands of men have gone to war and have paid an enormous cost,
Just remember that they have given up their dreams so ours won’t be lost.
Written October 2007 by W. P. Jenkins