'A SOLDIER'S PRAYER' by JESSE SPARKS

A TRIBUTE FROM A FATHER TO HIS DAUGHTER

AS SHE HEADS FOR IRAQ

The story behind 'A Soldier's Prayer' By: Jesse Sparks

"If others like the poem, tell them to feel free to drop me a line…”
- Jesse James Sparks Sr.
San Bernardino, Ca.

Cpl. SANDRA SPARKS RE-ENLISTING WHILE IN IRAQ

A Note from Sonja:

We lost ‘one of our own’ not too long ago, Army Spc Brian Browning, killed in Bahgdad, during active duty. A sad time for our community. Sadness of losing such a young man, son, brother, friend, soldier.... will always leave a hole in the hearts of a community for those who knew him and those who didn’t...he was a hero....and will NEVER be forgotten...

After I posted a tribute on the website to Brian and included the poem that was printed inside the announcement at Brian's Memorial..

I was happy and surprised to hear from the author of the poem,

‘A Soldiers Prayer’, Jesse Sparks.

“Hi, Sonja
I noticed my poem, 'A Soldiers Prayer', was on your page. I am curious to know how you happened to find it.

Do others like it? I didn't know anyone knew about it. I wrote it for my daughter, who is a Marine, stationed at Camp Pendleton, here in California."
Can't wait to hear from you
- Jesse Sparks

I wrote back and told him that his poem was beautiful and that I felt it comforted many people that day …..

Jesse wrote back:

“Hi again,
I'm glad you liked the poem. It was my first endeavor. My daughter always wrote poems, growing up, so I wanted to do something for her, and this was it.
It took me about two weeks to write it while on my trains (I'm a locomotive engineer).

She came back from Iraq with (only) a broken elbow.
If others like the poem, tell them to feel free to drop me a line…”

- Jesse James Sparks Sr.
San Bernardino, Ca.

Again, here is:

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER
by: Jesse J. Sparks

It's time to sleep -I've been relieved
My rifle at my side- My knife in it's sheath
Lord let me live another day - As I put myself in harms way
I made a choice - I took an oath
I stand for freedom - but I don't boast
My God, My country, my family - The things I hold so dear
With these all on my side - There is nothing for me to fear
But if I should fall before my next relief

I will stand before you Lord with honor and dignity
So, while I am here please make me strong

To fight the battles and right what's wrong

GOD BLESS YOU SANDRA ...BLESS ALL OF OUR TROOPS WHO ARE PUTTING THEIR LIVES IN HARMS WAY EVERYDAY....THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS and COMMUNITIES WHO PRAY FOR YOUR SAFETY and

YOUR RETURN TO THEIR ARMS.

FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO MUST ENDURE THROUGH THE UNLTIMATE SACRIFICE OF LOSING THEIR LOVED ONE...MAY YOU ALWAYS BE PROUD AND KNOW GOD'S COMFORT....
-Sonja