A Promise

When I was too young, I made a promise,
It was proud and valiant, heartfelt and honest.
“For your honor, your future I’ll die if you ask”
I swore it out loudly with a trembling raised hand

Time went on by and I flew my sweet chariot,
Across the shining blue skies…Freedom? I carried it.
Laughter and happiness quelled fears once obeyed,
And erased my memory of the promises once made.

Years have passed by and I have made my great life,
A family, some children, a loving, beautiful wife.
An endless assortment of people I love
Even in battle it was them I thought of.

I was never afraid until tonight’s moonlight glare,
As we began falling fast through the air.
But the fear did not bind my hands or my soul
I was sharper and faster, more focused in control.

Moving so quickly I did all that I could,
To keep this chariot flying just like it should.
I pressed every button, and made every call,
But soon we were nearing the end of the fall.

Tonight I can hear it, she is screaming for help,
An America lost in a shadow of doubt.
Without any fear or the slightest small shiver,
I remember my promise, bow my head and deliver.

My story, my past burns through my closed eyes.
I reach for my life but it is his robe I find
“You have done what is needed” he held my hand tightly,
He praised my valor, my honor and we walked through the valley.

Jessika Hickman