If you have a poem, song lyrics or a short story and you would like to share it with the readers of The Statesman now is your chance. Email or mail us your submission and look for it in an upcoming issue of The Statesman. THE SOLDIER'S PART He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast; And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies -- they were heroes, every one. And though sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today. He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start. If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that would say, "Our Country is in mourning, `cause a Soldier passed away." Submitted by Otis Rainwater THANK YOU, LORD Thank you, Lord for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord for making me whole. Thank you, Lord for my family. Thank you, Lord for all you do for me. Thank you, Lord for this community. Thank you, Lord for our peoples' unity. Thank you, Lord for our good health. Thank you, Lord for enough wealth. Thank you, Lord for this great country. Thank you, Lord for keeping us free. Thank you, Lord for my great friends. Thank you, Lord for allowing amends. Thanks again for saving my soul. Thanks again for making me whole. Thank you, Lord for everything. Thank you, Lord for being my King. by Dwayne Garner You Were the Light of My Life I remember a time in my life When you were the light of my love. My whole being brightened in your presence. At even the mention of your name, My whole countenance brightened. You illuminated my dreary little life, And made even the bleakest experience Shine bright because you were a part of my life. by Linda Amos, inspired by Ralph "Randy" Amos, deceased.