Madison writes ...
Published: August 14, 2012
A letter from a father to a Stripes editor:
I have spent almost four years in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2007. First as a soldier and then as a civilian. I have left home many times. My daughter Madison had to write a poem for a school assignment... She let me see it and as you can imagine it brought a tear. I remember reading Stars and Stripes while in theater so I thought I would pass it along to you.
Regards,
Dale Jarvie
Great this happened again!
He's on an airplane
So apart as Americans
Our lives aren't the same
Walk a mile to go to that bathroom
Where I walk a foot
Wake up, lie down
Lie down, wake up
Even when we sleep we are different!
You've grown a beard
I've cut my hair
By the time you're home
I've grown taller
Missed birthdays, holidays and more
But then poof! Gone again
Why is it every time you leave
the tears become heavier?
Mom said not to,
So I held it in
I could tell you did too.
After you're gone
The vehicle is lonely
Now we are four, not five
For you to go over there
for me and the others,
that's bravery,
being able to go each time
though you want to stay.
Bravery isn't who's the toughest
or strongest
It's the ones who know
what's right and believe in it.
-- Madison Jarvie
Join
Spouse Calls on Facebook
Follow
Spouse Calls on Twitter