Open Poetry #42 |
Left With A Life Of Dying |
Abe Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end! |
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).] |
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© Copyright 2008 Del - All Rights Reserved | |||
Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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 |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
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 |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
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!' |
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Abe Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end! |
Thank you! Del "Abe" Jones |
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A Romantic Heart Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-03
Posts 5496Forever In Your Heart |
Powerful writing...you brought chills up my spine...and a tear to my eye |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
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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