Soldiers Retreat

by E. Paul Newell

The title of this poem is Soldiers Retreat I have written it for all Soldiers past, present, and future

Yea though I Travel to the Solitude of my Being

I am a Soldier.

I have soldiered diligently.

I have soldiered honorably.

Though I have traveled the inroads of war and the back alleys of unknown battles, diligently and honorably, I am not with out flaw or fail. Should you cast subjection upon me, should you also dwell in a round house made of stone?

A soldier’s life is but a life of trust. Trust in the structure of command. It is for this trust that a soldier will obey a command. This trust that supports the belief in superior knowledge. This trust supports the belief that superior knowledge is necessarily educated for maximum favorable results. Under trial and tribulation will a soldier maintain security to their last living breath: will a soldier stand by on their watch. All is pending and based on this living breathing trust. In the end for some, this trust will only lead to certain death and the most tragic events witnessed or executed. For others this trust will lead to a shattered soul that will long for healing the way parched sand is puckered to kiss the preceding rain.

If ever there has been a need to heal the soul it is now.

Now that the trust has been breached the seal of worthiness is gone. (“The Worthiness of My Trust”)

Where shall I go now?

Where shall I seal my trust now?

My duties fulfilled, my tours complete.

What have you for this battle weary Soldier and broken Soul now?

I see not a sturdy post to lean upon nor an inviting seat to sit upon.

For I have been shattered to my core.

My energies depleted.

I seek refuge from my storm.

Does the earth become my bride, if I should be striped of all, but pride?

No I am free to walk anywhere.

I am free to speak my mind. Therefore I shall travel the road of solitude to the center of my own being.

It is there within my being that I will seek the new and real trust.

Trust in myself and trust in the being of my solitude. For the trust that I have given others is the trust that I shall now afford myself.

I shall seek within to find the structured faith that is the seal of worthiness

. It is deliverance that I need. Yet patience that I will have to accept.

Walking the path of solitude is the most honorable way to meet yourself in the truest of spirit. It is at the center of solitude where I will find safe passage.

And from the center that I shall be protected on all fronts.

And it is there at that center that I shall conduct all measures and matters pertaining to the well being of my existence.

I must make this journey for the sake of my sanity.

Also for those whom I love I must seek the ability to afford them the same dignity with which I left them.

This is not an easy road I seek but a necessary path of healing rite.

For it is a peculiarity of man that he can better endure almost any other condition than that of solitude.

I am a prisoner of wars byproduct.

Do not forget me. I shall not wane:, steadfast is how I shall remain. I will wait – wait on the edge for a closer glance at freedom.

Nurtured Solitude is a key component on the road of recovery.

A man who goes to war, shall enter upon Gods gate first.

You are blessed by all.

You are loved by all.

Sincerely

Paul Newell

Founder/coordinator

www.greenrecovery.org