My Grand Father fought for the other side,
standing against the Soviet Horde,
protecting his family, community and national pride,
an artillery man pounding the other side.
A Colonel of distinction and professionalism clear,
he upheld the code of soldiers far and wide,
to protect, serve and possibly die.
A Hero perhaps, depending on your side.
Hungarians stood mostly against their Soviet Nemesis,
but fought on the Western Front as well,
in the Sicily campaign and in France too.
His artillery barraged British, American and Canadian as well,
Doing what all soldier's are required by oath,
to achieve their goal, fight on until the battle is won,
but his heart was at home, with his family is plain,
the soldier should never really leave their domain.
Returning to his land, Soviets arrested him at once,
and through a trial sentenced him to hang.
Before his house he stood with the hangman's noose tight,
until some Jewish citizens came forth with open eyes
declaring this man a savior to their kind.
Rich, powerful and high ranking was he,
so with his wife they hid away Jewish families.
It was said they saved many Jewish Lives,
and for that his life was saved,
and to the Gulag 20 years he remained.
Living his remaining life in familiar peace,
away from the hell of war and destruction untold.
He told me his story and pronounced whole heartedly,
that a soldiers life future generations should never be,
the horror's that destroyed the lives of many never felt.
With tears in his old eyes he told me true,
taking a life takes something dear from me and you.
If he could relive his life, a soldier he would never be,
but to live ones life freely and most meaningfully.
My Grandfather respected his opponents with pride,
men and women fighting for their families and home.
He lifted a glass of wine to his lips with a tear,
toasting all People far and wide
dearly held in his heart was a soldiers pride.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
