I watch him as he walks away,
With his shoulders squared,
And standing tall.
I cannot find the right words to say,
For I know he must heed,
His country's call!
His mother and I taught him,
All the right stuff,
Love of God and love of his fellow man.
We taught him if life's road gets rough,
We must accept it as God's plan.

I watch him as he walks away,
A boy who has become a man overnight.
Wasn't it only yesterday,
I watched him play?
And now he must go and fight.
I watch him as he walks away.
I'm as proud as I can be
How often I have heard folks say,
He's "the spittin" image" of me!

I watch him as he walks away.
He's just topped the little hill.
I hope we'll meet again some day.
I pray it is in God's will.

I watch him as he walks away,
With tears streaming down my face,
Knowing there will be many a lonely day,
Around the old home place.

I watch him as he walks away.
Then I place him in God's hands.
Ah, I know He'll not my trust betray!
You see, He loves and understands!

By Robert F. Dotson Copyright 2003
�used with permission.Read more of his poetry here.