A Promise Made

A boy and his dad went down the street
To watch and to wave at the grand Parade.
The flags were unfurled the uniforms neat
There, all the colors and glories displayed

The boy asked his dad, “Why do they do that?
Why march all in lines and dress all the same?
And why do they count as they take every step
Why are they here ‘stead of watching the game?” 

The man looked at his son with a light in his eye,
Then looked up at the passing Parade
He said in a slow voice meant just for his boy
“’Cause it’s part of the promise they made”

The boy watched some more, the horses clomped by
He saw the caisson was draped with a flag
He saw “P O W” and then “M I A”
He caught his breath at the black and white flag

“Dad, did they know that could happen to them?
Did.., did they know that they might not come back?
Did they know this was the price they might pay?
Did they all know when they loaded their pack?

The man looked at his son with a light in his eye,
Then looked up at the passing Parade
He said in a slow voice meant just for his boy
“Yes, it was part of the promise they made”

The boy then was quiet lost in his thought
As the procession went by where they stood.
He asked “you have to leave again don’t you?”
Then his dad nodded and he understood

That night as his dad checked over his pack
He said “Please dad, I don’t want you to go”
his dad spoke so softly “I love you, Zack.
But our freedoms aren’t free don’t you know.

For you then I go to stand on a line.
Son, your future is not one I would trade
For you I’d give all, that you may live on
’Cause it is part of the promise I made”