Lyric

I knew this duty had no return

Still I stepped forward without fear

Because someone's tomorrow relied on me

"I may never come back" I thought -

But even that

Was something I could take with pride

We marched in rows again and again

Same paths same voices same command

"Still not there" our sergeant grinned -

But somehow kindness lived in his face

An old photo edges curled by time

Father's strength mother's gentle hands

That warmth still lingers in my palm

Those memories - they held me still

The moment they called out my name

Something inside me broke and lit

Fear and fire danced within

And I embraced what fate had written

"Live my comrade and let's meet again"

A smile from him as he sent me on

I wanted to live - I truly did

But someone must always take that step

The earth below was fading fast

Clouds above began to bloom

My face in the window - still resolved

Eyes that had accepted death

Were now fixed firmly to the front

To my mother

Thank you for raising me

The warmth in your hands pushed me onward

To the one I love

I wanted to see your smile again

But I wish for your happiness -

More than anything else

Not in screaming not in tears

Quietly my heart chose this path

If this life becomes someone's dawn -

That alone is worth it all

Holding back the falling tears

Until the final breath I give

For my family for my friends -

With pride I go where I must

Yes I wanted to live much longer

To walk to speak to dream ahead

What kind of future might have waited?

What have we left behind us here?

I wish I'd shouted thank you loud

I wish I said I'm sorry too

But the final thought I ever knew -

"Thank you for giving me life"

A white envelope a single note

One line remains:

"Thank you"

That soul had truly lived