To My Brother LANCE CORPORAL HOSSEIN SHARIFI UNITED STATES MARINE CORP FEBRUARY 26, 1991 My brother went to boot camp, A childish little boy, To be shaped and molded, A drill instructor's toy. Although it seemed impossible, His motivation was so strong, Dreams of his family and friends Made the months seem so long. Graduation finally arrived, It seemed that years went by, We flew to San Diego Our emotions were so high. We watched him march We were overwhelmed with joy, We were finally going to see our So called "Little Boy". We greeted him with happiness and We felt a sense of pride, But there was something different We could tell by his proud stride. We all just sat and stared, It wasn't how we dreamed, The boy was now a man, A faithful proud Marine. Many months have passed and Peace seemed to fade away, A cruel man named Saddam Was destroying our world day by day. As we waited for a phone call from Our tall and strong Marine, Time suddenly stopped, well, That's just how it seemed. He told us he was shipping out For Operation Desert Shield. The one thing we hoped would pay off Was his training in the field. Each day we watched the news, Hoping for his safe return, Days were going by The world just turned and turned. Soon the word was out, The United States was ready to fight. I sent him all my love and I gave him all my might. As we heard the president speak, We tried not to mourn, As Operatin Desert Shield Turned into Desert Storm Although I'm very young, I have a lot to say, This poem brings backs memories of When we used to play. His safe return is my only wish, My only thought, my dream. All there is left to say is, "Hossein, You are "THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS." Your little sister, Soraya, AGE 14