Joe Jencks

My father never talked much about the Korean War. But it left scars on him that were not visible to the eye. He came home, married my mother, and they had seven children. We all grew up singing in church… and everywhere else for that matter. They raised us well and instilled in us a passion for music, a love for each other, and a deep and abiding faith.  Whatever imperfections they had as parents, they gave their best and I am grateful. There are so many questions I will never get to ask them now… but it is good to recognize that reconciliation can happen beyond the grave. Love really is forever. And death is not the end.

You were raised in the depression in the shadow of world war
When a patriotic man was not supposed to ask what for
Late in life you had a seventh child an unexpected son
And I grew up to question everything and everyone

Chorus
Now they're putting all the pieces back together
Though it isn't quite the way it used to be
The walls are coming down and every day it's getting better
And that means that there's still hope for you and me

You volunteered for service before the war began
A master sergeant training other soldiers in Japan
They sent your boys to battle you came home to take a wife
To do your best to live life worthy of their sacrifice

You were a loving and a dedicated husband
As a father you were patient and kind
But a piece of your humanity was shattered in Korea
Something sacred in your heart was left behind

Father I was by your side when you took your last breath
Though I was just nineteen and you were only sixty-two
The Korean War left scars upon your soul that touched us both
Though the means to heal the hurt was seen from different points of view

The walls are coming down and every day it's getting better
And that means that there's still hope for you and me

copyright 2007 Joe Jencks