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Open Poetry #42
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Abe
Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694
Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end!

0 posted 2008-06-17 09:52 AM



Left With A Life Of Dying

I have a friend who has a Son
Who has fought in this war
A Marine who did his duty
That’s what Marines are for.

Two tours in the battle zones
Just part of his history
He was discharged, came home
And like many, with, PTSD.

He tried to get some help
But, he was turned away
Sad, that happens many times
When they go to the VA.

He worked, for a little while
On his own, he tried to cope
His problems began to grow
And he started to lose hope.

He tried drugs, to ease the pain
That, tormented his sick mind
But he found they didn’t help
Just sickness, of a different kind.

He spent his time in a daze
And as drugs usually do
Only took him deeper into hell
‘Til he wished his life was through.

He couldn’t function, lost his job
He lost his house and car
His Wife and Children left him
When he pushed them, too far.

He spent some time on the street
Where so many Veterans go
He had finally hit the bottom
Which, for some, is the deathblow.

Mom saved him, took him in
Cause Mom’s love has no bounds
Your Mom is always Mom
With a strength that astounds.

Finally getting off the drugs
But, just a shell of the Man
Who fought for his Country
In some, far off, foreign land.

The illness there in his mind
Still ate away, untreated
And as each day passed by
The more this Man retreated.

He didn’t know what to do
To right the wrongs, he’d done
But as the old saying goes
Once a Marine, always one.

So, one day he re-enlisted
And now, waiting to ship out
Thinks, fighting and killing
Is what his life is all about.

He told his Mom he hoped
That this, might make things right
Because he’d lost the Battle
His Country, left him alone, to fight.

The moral of this story?
(I guess, moral’s the wrong word)
There are so many stories like this
Sadly, that will never be heard.

We can’t see the deepest wounds
When, they’re hidden there, inside
While some can overcome them
Too many, have nowhere to hide.

We should be ashamed and outraged
We let so many Heroes die
After they come home and try to live
But then, can’t find a reason, “Why?”

I hope this one story has an ending
Where his demons are chased away
But, I fear that will not happen
For only fairytales, end that way.

06.17.2008


Del "Abe" Jones
Mankind's greatest accomplishment is not the revolution of technology, it is the evolution of creativity.

[This message has been edited by Abe (06-17-2008 12:48 PM).]

© Copyright 2008 Del - All Rights Reserved
Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 posted 2008-06-17 12:46 PM


Yo Abe,

Many fine men and women dedicate their lives to the Military.  My oldest daughter retired after 20+ years in the Navy.  She got a lot out of it, a husband and family.  She's one tough cookie.

Bobby

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
2 posted 2008-06-17 12:59 PM


A far too common story. A sad commentary on how our vets are not supported after they have served their country.

I'm hopeful that whomever is elected president, will put his money where his mouth now is and make things right for the vets!

Another great write, Abe!

Love, Harmony & Peace,
Linda



secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
3 posted 2008-06-22 01:40 PM


I simply wanted to return this one to near the top of the "P.I.P.-land"...it should be read, and re-read, and re-read; etc.

applause for this specific 'penning' AND all other 'social impact'/conscience 'writes' by this effective author (and others) who still have the 'stamina' to comment on these types of critical societal issues. [The questionable rationale behind Nam...and the tragically 'trumped up' (illegitimate) rationale for Iraq have me completely 'burned out' pursuant to commentary on the "Runaway American Dream"] I'm assuredly glad that some folks are still 'willing and able' to be 'voices in the (socio-political) wilderness!'

Abe
Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694
Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end!
4 posted 2008-06-22 01:52 PM


Thank you!

Del "Abe" Jones
Mankind's greatest accomplishment is not the revolution of technology, it is the evolution of creativity.

A Romantic Heart
Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-03
Posts 5496
Forever In Your Heart
5 posted 2008-06-23 11:07 PM


Powerful writing...you brought chills up my spine...and a tear to my eye
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
6 posted 2008-06-24 12:34 PM



Yes Abe it is a sad story but all to common

I'm afraid. It happens over here as well.

You wrote a great poem my friend with a lot of thought.

Lindsay

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