Some limp along from legs long gone
or ride in their wheelchair
bearing the memories of past war,
bearing the brunt of strangers' stare.
Or they salute the stars and stripes
still filled with undiminished pride
hoping no one sees false arms.
Thankful they're not on the other side.
And there are others far, far worse
glass eyes replace thousand yard stare,
steel plates protecting injured brain
in a hospital for long term care.
Then there are those who walk the streets
whose injuries are of the mind.
They mumble to long lost comrades.
They never left their war behind.
Even those who have no injury,
no scars or even tattooed skin
carry a void within themselves
of another life which might have been...
Comments
I have seen...
those that you describe. I would have gone if they would have taken me, but fortunately, they didn't want me and I didn't go! I liked everything about this one, the story, the title and the way it was tied together from end to end. As per usual, you provide enough emotion to make one think about the story as a whole. Your rhythm needs work, but there is nothing that can't be fixed. ~ Gee
Hi Gee
They're still around and the current battles add to their ranks. I was fortunate that the draft ended just as I became of age. But I would have been one who went. My classification was 1-H which meant I would be drafted but was on hold since there was no more draft. Thanks for coming by and leaving your kind comment. I'll see about cleaning up the rhythm after this sits a spell..........stan
Stan
A very touching pictorial you have created here, drawing attention to the war veterans, unfortunately not getting deserved attention once they are done with the war, even though they have put their most precious lives on the line.
Regards,
Hi ray
Thank you. All veterans from any country return from wars as changed people......stan
tim
This really is an excellent thought provoking poem Scribbler.
Tim
Hi Tim
Thank you. Always good to see you've come by...........stan