Waved off in a blaze of jingoistic pandemonium of fervour and glory.
Now the deeds are done, returning home is quite a different story.
The long years have drained the public support for this war,
The death, the gore, they've had enough, don't want to see no more.
They followed their orders, were placed in many dangers.
They followed their orders, killing foreign strangers.
They followed their orders and did as they were told,
Now they return broken men, still young but far too old.
Physical scars and wounds are more easily repaired
But the mental ones remain cloaked and hidden,
Taboo, rarely discussed and never truly heard.
A festering reminder, an offensive midden.
Some can never seem to readjust to normal living,
They are shunned like pariahs, an unwanted stain,
We somehow blame them for our misgivings,
We know we should hang our heads in shame.
Their presence amongst us reminds us of our mistakes,
Their pain and suffering and gruesome wounds always there.
We are relieved to see so many return home, for their sake,
But not relieved enough to give proper care.
*****
Written by Vernicho ( 10 March 2013) Copyright ( All Rights Reserved )
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The Art of War !
PoetryPoems about War Cover Art - Grave of an unknown soldier from copyright free source.
