Jon M. Nelson

As we journey through our lives,
We all take separate paths.
Sometimes they're filled with sorrow,
Other times they're full of laughs.
...

Once again, it's that time of year,
When the world should be full of cheer.
This is the time for peace and love,
As the angels watch from up above.
...

You can't expect me to be something I'm not,
This is who I am and this is what you've got.
I won't pretend to be someone else's dream,
So that I can help with your self-esteem.
...

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the camp,
The soldiers had changed out of clothes that were damp.
Our weapons were slung and held at the ready,
Although it was Christmas, we still stood rock steady.
...

They seem to think they're better than everyone,
And they torment other people just for fun.
Maybe it's because of their own low self-esteem,
And for some reason think that this will redeem.
...

With a terrified look upon his face,
I wonder what he's doing in this place.
There are bombs exploding and bullets flying,
He's curled up in a corner scared and crying.
...

As the ignorance and hatred collides,
It drives a wedge that further divides.
Too many casualties will be left in the path,
With only destruction and chaos after the wrath.
...

Republican, Democrat or undecided,
You have to admit we are divided.
It's hard to see who's right or wrong,
Because we just can't get along.
...

No matter how difficult of a task you meet,
There are two things that you need to complete.
You may need to stop and say a prayer,
And of course, hard work will get you there.
...

Sometimes when I hear a loud banging sound,
I'm tempted to fall and lay on the ground.
It reminds me of an enemy shooting a round,
But I look and there's no danger to be found.
...

It's given to a family when a soldier has died.
It's a symbol of their service with so much pride.
It is presented to them and followed by a salute,
And they'll jump when they hear the guns shoot.
...

We listen to the lonely bugle call,
To honor the ones who did fall.
They're in the final resting place,
As we all sing ‘Amazing Grace'.
...

Freedom isn't free it's something we always hear.
As we listen to the voices, echo loud and clear.
There are those that are willing to stand up for our rights.
They are the brave ones, who won't back down from any fights.
...

As the sun burns down it bakes my skin,
I can feel my patience beginning to wear thin.
Walking endless miles in this scorching heat,
And I can feel the sand burning my feet.
...

Everywhere you look you will see,
The downfall of our humanity.
So much crime and lack of respect,
We'll never know what to expect.
...

I've fought for my country,
And shed my blood for you.
I helped keep this nation free,
And defend the red, white, and blue.
...

I've been shot at, and I've been stabbed,
And I've been nearly burned alive.
Yet somehow through all of this,
I have managed to survive.
...

They do their job without reward,
Which some would consider selfless.
They stand up for the weak,
The downtrodden, and the helpless.
...

As I gaze out upon the desert sky,
I sit and ponder and wonder why.
I left my life and family back home,
For this place where I search and roam.
...

My parent is proudly serving our country,
In order to keep so many of us free.
There are a lot of sacrifices that they're making,
And I know the risks that they're taking.
...