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  Guardian of the Night

  By Joanna L. Lilly, Tallahassee, Florida

 

 Dedicated to the Firefighters, Military, Police, and Rescue Workers Lost in the World Trade Center and Pentagon Assault, September 11, 2001  

 

 

You stand and guard my sheltered world

Like a watchful soldier in the night.

Protecting me from danger, pain, and grief,

Ever vigilant to forestall any

Who may cause me harm or fright.

 

Strength, honor, and passion are your mantle,

Your uniform covers the warmth within;

The tender, loving, gentle touch

That to all opponents appears fierce and grim,

This touch to me is as necessary as my breath.

 

Obstacles and hindrances, like the enemy they are,

Overcome at last – and we are one, for all eternity.

Trust is newly wrought; our lives and hearts devoted; entwined.

My love!  My brave veteran of war, my tranquil, beautiful one,

Risking life for liberty, facing peril with every rising sun

You offer yourself fearlessly to rescue; to serve; to give; to protect.

 

My soldier, my warrior; my lover, my friend,

I love you with a depth of feeling words cannot describe.

I lay my life within those strong, calloused hands,

Hands that combat weapons wield in times of war,

And trusting, close my eyes to sleep in peace.

 

Peace!  Within your solemn gaze I have found peace,

My guardian of the night who keeps me safe,

Held fast with loving arms, strong hands that so gently touch my face,

This tie, this bond of love that brings no bind or chafe,

Only peace, serenity, and joy in your ardent words and deeds.

 

You stand and guard my sheltered world

Like a watchful soldier in the night.

My sentinel who knows and meets my every need

I lay my life within those strong, calloused hands,

And trusting, close my eyes to sleep in peace.

 

  God Bless You All… and All Those Who Love You