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Open Poetry #43
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Midnitesun
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0 posted 2008-07-20 03:29 PM



The sickly scent of death
dwells deeply
within hidden passageways
the nose never forgets.
Thousands of soldiers
fight with demons
day and night,
not asking for help
for fear
of rejection,
not wanting to be
labeled
with PTSD.
The solution
is too often
a chemical 'lobotomy'
through layers of drugs,
pathetic hideous bandages
that cover and heal
nothing.

RIP, Spc Joseph Dwyer.
The demons appear to have won,
again.



*Joesph Dwyer inhaled an aerosol called 'Dust-Off'
and died in June,
no longer able to fight the demons that followed him home from Iraq.

[This message has been edited by Midnitesun (07-20-2008 07:42 PM).]

© Copyright 2008 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved
Robert E. Jordan
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since 2008-01-25
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 posted 2008-07-20 05:25 PM


Dear Midnitesun,

That’s a very sad story.  PTSD is a big problem for returning troops.  One of my Uncles had it after WW II
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_suicidedwyer_070308w/

Love Bobby

Midnitesun
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2 posted 2008-07-20 07:43 PM


Thank you Bobby, for your reply, and the link.
LindsayP
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since 2007-07-28
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Australia, Victoria
3 posted 2008-07-21 12:03 PM



Dear Midnitesun, the aftermath of war is a terrible cross to bare. My Dad was gassed in the first world war and suffered every day of his life. Oh if we could all live in peace what a wonderful world it would be.

A big hug my dear,  Love.

Lindsay

Artic Wind
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4 posted 2008-07-21 10:50 AM


Very Sad Indeed!

But sometimes, we defeat those demons and stay healthy!



ARCTIC WIND

Alison
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5 posted 2008-07-23 10:23 PM


Kacy,

This is sad, but oh so important to write about.  Thank you.  It's great to wave our flags and thank soldiers.  I love that, but it is more important to remember them when they are dealing with the aftermath of war.  Thank you again for this poem.

Alison

Midnitesun
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6 posted 2008-07-24 08:51 AM


Thanks for reading.
Anyone reading this, please read Uriah's Howling Commando('Ricky/RIP')

kaile
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7 posted 2008-08-01 11:26 AM


thanks for telling us his story. he needs to be heard.
kaile
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8 posted 2008-08-01 11:34 AM


read the article after my reply. gosh.
Midnitesun
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9 posted 2008-08-01 05:24 PM


Thank you, kaile, for returning to this and following the story. Sadly, his is only one of many such tragic stories, not just from Iraq, but also from the Viet Nam war. I've personally known several returning soldiers who never really 'returned' to civilian life.
Paul Wilson
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10 posted 2008-08-02 02:55 PM


Kacy...Very touching write. So many leave this world before their time.
Your poem reminds me of a line in an Eagle's song " Hotel California"
' We are all just prisoners of our own devices"

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

secondhanddreampoet
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11 posted 2008-08-02 04:51 PM


powerful truth! [effective 'reality' write]

applause!

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