"The Army" - A Poem

The Army

You seem to be frustrated

with the way that things are done

Decisions that have been made

or how the message comes.

 

You say “The Army could do better."

"If only!”, so you say

“They did the things they’re s’pposed to do,

but did them all my way.”

I want to know, who is this “Army”?

The one of whom you speak.

Where is this "thing" that fills your feed

and takes up all your tweets?

 

Last time I looked upon the scenes 

that filled your Facebook wall

I saw an image there of you,

standing proud and tall.

 

A uniform was on your back

Two “S”’s; shiny trim

A finger pointing upwards,

“Hallelujah! I’m for Him!”

 

I wonder now what has transpired

from that day unto this

To cause you to forget  

of whom this “Army” does consist.

 

It’s easy now to speak

as if this "Army” isn’t "me".

And forget that those in “leadership”

bleed red blood equally.

 

Salvationists of every kind

Adherents, Soldiers, Friends

And those who wear red epaulettes

(or used to “way back when”).

 

Remember that “the Army”

is no thing that's far away.

Nor does it breathe a life its own

despite the words you say.

 

Before you post, or tweet or blog

or send that email too.

Remember please, I beg you now,

to “think” before you “do”.

 

“Am I a part of the problem

and so its solution too?”

That frustration you’re highlighting

Could it in fact be you?

 

The “Army” is no “thing” to me

but people, saved by God.

Sure, I feel frustrated too,

But aren't we s'pposed to love.

 

"Be patient, kind, no envy here,

no boasting, don't be proud.

Do not dishonour anyone,

Or recall their wrongs out loud.

"Don't delight in wrong, but rejoice in truth,

Protect and trust and hope.

Keep going, always, to the end,

even at the end of your rope."

These are the things that matter most,

More than anything,

Not so much our nice brass bands,

Or just how well we sing.

Not even how much we love the poor,

And strive to bring them in,

For without love, our meager efforts

Will all amount to nothing.

So brothers, sisters, comrades, friends

"be" the Army with me.

A ragtag bunch of saved misfits

With love as our I.D.