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A Patriot's Duty

Why am I here you ask?

Why do I do this?

Why do I needlessly suffer?

 

My friend, I suffer

Not for personal gain,

Not for personal pleasure,

but for you my friend.

 

I suffer so that somewhere in this round world,

a mother's child will not.

 

I suffer my friend for I know that if I do not,

an unfortunate son must take my place

and endure what I endure.

 

You see my friend I wish not to live for myself,

I do not value my life as much as I value yours.

 

I live for the glory of a future that I shall never see.

To know because of my suffering a child was fed today.

 

My friend I live to suffer so that others may live to pleasure.

That is all I strive for.

 

Why should I or anyone care?

Oh such a primitive question!

 

Hear me!

 

If I live for myself, I will live a life of happiness and peace

and comes my death bed my line is finished.

 

If I live for a stranger, I will live a life of hardship and war

but comes my death, I shall live on through the spirits of those who live happy because of my suffering.

 

Am I confusing you?

 

It is my duty, Aidos.

My sole duty in this life.

My only request is to hear the sounds of joyful glee from small children.

 

My face can be caked with dirt,

My skin can be bruised and burnt,

My voice can be hoarse,

 

If the children across the street may live with

Their faces pure

Their skins smooth

Their voices soft

 

To live for the sake of someone

This moment may count for everything

I must gently cast aside myself

So that no matter how I depict

The I of tomorrow

I am drenched in wishes that won't disappear

The wishes of a future I shall never live in

 

This is my Aidos friend,

This is my duty,

This is my happiness,

This is why,

I suffer for you.

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Written by
inkyu-kim
South Korean
Published
Jan 9, 2013
Lines·Words
48·342
Permission

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