On Guard for Thee

I am a serving member of the Governor General's Foot Guards. Throughout my time with this Regiment, I have had the opportunity to take part in many different activities and training. Throughout my time-in so far, I have met some life long friends, and been exposed to amazing people.It is no surprise then, that while in service to their country, some of these amazing friends and CAF Members have been killed in the line of Duty.

The loss of Cpl Nathan Cirillo strikes deeply into the heart of all military servicemen and their families.  By all accounts Corporal Cirillo was truly a shining star among us. I consider myself lucky and honoured to wear the same uniform as him, and hope that those who knew him will continue to honour his memory and carry on his tradition of professionalism and honour. 

I could not sleep the other night, and images of Cpl Cirillo's beaming smile were foremost in my thoughts when I took to writing this poem to ease my mind.

The following poem is dedicated to Corporal Nathan Frank Cirillo, (23 Dec 1989 – 22 Oct 2014)

---- Corporal Kyle Garrett Crego, GGFG----

All see Me here, as I stand ready,

I see you there, my heart beats steady.
Many come, to wish me well,
Against those who come, to bring us hell.

I've come well dressed, to serve you proper,
I've suited up, I stand here somber.

The world is twisted, Yet I stand tall,
Canada will stand, even if I fall.
You may get me, yet I care not,
For more will join, and undo the damage you wrought.

For Canada is Proud, and we do not waiver.                                           
So cower down and hide; it works in our favour.   
Nothing can undo, what our people have built,
In a time not too far, you'll take our sword to the hilt.

Lost

I met a young Marine that was visiting Canada. I only had the chance to spend a few days around him, but quickly learned in that short amount of time that this guy would do anything for anyone, especially his girlfriend, Nicole.

I got to hear some good stories from his first tour in Iraq, and the Battle for Fallujah, which he was heavily involved in, and the place that would eventually claim his life.

I started this poem a long time ago, and didn't really come back to it until well after Sean died, when I was able to deal with it a little better, while I was stuck on CFB Meaford, Ontario.

I hope he would like it, although he did tease me a bit when he first learned that I sometimes write poetry.

I wrote this thinking about being overseas and having someone like Nicole back here in North America that was waiting, worrying for you everyday. He told me that the hardest part of being away from her was the worry that he would feel like he let her down by not coming back.

Sean

Born 6/02/1983

KIA 30/07/2007

Miss you buddy



--------------------------------------------

Before I ever joined this fight,
Before your worry kept you up at night,
I promised this; that I'd come home to you someday.

Dear gorgeous, don't you worry,
Even though my path is rocky,
I'll be coming home for you someday.

Sometimes I've felt that all is lost,
To live I've had such horrible barriers to cross,
But I promised: I'm coming home to you, Babe.

I sometimes wonder if you miss me,
I'm waiting until you can again kiss me
I miss the taste of those lips; so sweet.

Another day with too many losses, its getting rough
I'm not so sure anymore that I can be this tough
But don't worry, I still try to come home to you, Babe.

Forgive me, Darling, I think I've wasted your time;
For I think now that this turn to die is mine,
Tempting fate so long has left me nervous and unsure,

I'm no longer confident in my skill,
This lonely soldier so many seek to kill,
I'm so sorry:
know that I tried to come home to you, Babe.

KGC