When trying to understand the desire to serve our country for years on years on end with such difficulties it brings to a person's family life, I take to reading. I have read books on killing, the psychological effects of war on a person's mind, poetry, history books, and memoirs. It is in the reading of these things I am able to better understand the mindset behind these men. I can appreciate their love for both wife and war. I can respect their drive to fight for what they love. This morning I just wanted to share one of my very favorite pieces that pertains to the subject. I hope it speaks to you too.
To Lucasta, Going to War
Tell me not, Sweet I am unkind,
That from the nunnery,
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind
To war and arms I fly.
True, a new mistress I now chase,
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.
Yet this inconsistency is such
As thou too shalt adore;
I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not Honour more.
-Richard Lovelace
(1618-1658)
No comments:
Post a Comment