Ignoring Ignorance

I am no more, no less than other men.
In that my hopes, my dreams, similar in thought.
I love my country, family and friends....
and yes for all of these, I fought.

As a young man, I signed up to serve.
I was proud to wear my uniform.
The red, white and blue flying majestically!
My naïve eyes, could not see, the approaching storm!

My comrades and I were soon boarded up-
and sent off to foreign land.
Twas more than a fight we soon realized!
Blood flowed forth as the hour glass sand!

Mine eyes have now aged, my body too.
Years have passed for we who survived.
Yet, behind the "haunting" of my stare-
My experience oft times, of it's own, is revived!

In panic, in nightmares, it comes for some such as I-
In lost loves, for we lost communications sweet light.
In phantom pains, and verbal stab wounds from the ignorant-
Yes, we veterans endure still, the night.

War. People play with this word today.
Yet, n'er have they any clue!
That the battlefield changes all definitions on such!
Especially when experienced....first hand....by you!

I remember the blood of my fallen comrade's life-
Warmly upon my hands, he was my brother.
I ,in desperation, tried to save him!
Only to watch him, of his own blood smother!

The live rounds and bombing all around me.
Ear drums bursting, the lies, the manipulation.....
The evil, the enemy, the innocent gone.
What was that we said.....One Nation?

As a man, in my strength and youth-
I was left to die, yes by our own!
Many moments, hours, years have passed-
Yet, there is a place still... a battlefield alone.

Our welcome back? Ha! You jest!
I was spit on and called unholy names!-
From those who sat here, safe at home-
While we who served were devoured, in war's flames!

Ah! and of course today, "they" have it all solved!
I believe it's labeled PTSD, Be ye calm!
Yet, to all of us who lost our lives, to surviving OR death.......
We simply call it Vietnam.

Author's note:   My heart goes out to All our veterans, who have served
                            in the rages of war! Thank you seems inadequate for
                            the sacrifices you have made. So, my hope is for God
                            to hold you close and comfort you and your loved ones.
                            Yes, every day and night....on every field.

                             This Veteran's Day and always.....gratitude,
                             with....Lots of Love and Prayers     Paula