I Admit I Teared Up
I'm not certain how many of you are familiar with the story of Lt. General Romeo Dallaire but I came across this poem while editting his wikipedia entry and it hit me very hard... and I'm not sure why.

PARK BENCH HEADLINES
Have you ever sat with soldiers
in the canteen drinking beers
and listened to their stories
of their courage, strengths and fears?

Have you hung up in the tower
out at Shilo Camp;
and hooked up on a buffalo
and stood upon the ramp?

Did you check your buddy’s parachute
in detail and with care;
and are you wearing jumper’s wings
like Romeo Dallaire?

Did you ever wear a blue beret
or walk upon patrol;
and you came back to Canada
and you never lost control?

Have you hugged a 40-ouncer
in the comfort of your chest
and sat upon a park bench
to ponder, cry and rest?

Yesterday a headline
sent me in a rage;
About a fallen soldier,
It jumped up off the page.

He did his best for Canada,
humanity, you and me.
But demon thoughts of Africa
refuse to set him free.

Join with me and let’s all pray
for this soldier of the blue beret.
God give him peace and a better life
with his family, friends and wife.

Let the media keep away
and be careful what they say;
Show some respect - show some care
for the Canadian hero: General Dallaire.

God Bless Peacekeepers
©Copyright 2003 by Billy Willbond