Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ties That Bind

              He walks the dark streets
              looking for a place
              To lay down his head
              and he'd gladly embrace

             Maybe a park bench
             or a dark, corner street
             Tomorrow's another day
             with the same repeat

             The hunger in his stomach
              he knows quite well
             A familiar, constant struggle
             he tries not to dwell

             A hot cup of coffee
             sounds like a plan
             A few dollars in his pocket
             he'd feel like a new man

             His whole life's worth
             since he fell through the cracks
             Are the clothes on his back
             and in two old sacks

             Every now and then
             he remembers a home
             Some old, familiar faces
             it keeps him pushing on

             An old faded picture
             of what he once had
             Before he lost it all
             and things got so bad

             The voices in his head
              is a never ending thing
             They live in his sleep
             and every little dream

             He fought so hard
             in that long, drawn-out war
             He only wants some peace
             nothing less and nothing more

            The peace he longs for
            he fears he'll never find
            He lost it in Vietnam
            the place with ties that bind

           Susie Swanson

18 comments:

  1. I really like this Susie...Keep Hope Alive!

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  2. Thank you lorely, yes, hope is sometimes hard to find.

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  3. There is so much truth and compassion in your poem Susie. I have written about this subject too in the past, because it is something which tugs at my heart. When I lived in Los Angeles, I saw so many men like this out on the streets and living in the parks and along side freeways. Your poem encourages empathy which is a beautiful quality and so rarely seen. Delisa :)

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  4. Thank you Delisa for the nice words. When I started writing this poem, I didn't know it was going to take me in the direction it did. Either way, I agree that it's a sad thing to know there's so many there. They've just fell through the cracks for whatever reason. Hope you have a great day! Susie

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  5. Hi Susie, OH --isn't it sad what has happened to so many soldiers who have come back from war, and just cannot adjust back into life???? There needs to be some adjustment time, some counselling, help with jobs, etc. for them... It's just sad...

    Fabulous, heart-felt poem. Thanks so much.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. Thank you Betsy, yes it is so sad. I agree they need more resourses for them. There's to many falling through the cracks. I personaly think the government should do more, but that's just my opinion. Thank you for the nice words. Hope you have a great day, Susie

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  7. Susie, this is a thought-provoking and emotional poem. Well written and compassionate. Nice job with this.

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  8. Thank you Daisy for the nice words and for stopping by. Susie

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  9. Nice poem, Susie. This is a poem that tugs at your heart.

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  10. Thank you Janet,It tuged at my heart while writing it. I could feel his misery...

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  11. Hi Susie,
    You have another in a great line of heartfelt poems here girl! Just more proof of why I follow you !
    JL

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  12. Thank you JL, I appreciate that. But following you is a gift. You are such a good writer. It amazes me how fast you can put them up..You are a very gifted writer.. Love following you!!

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  13. Very touching poem, Susie.
    I feel that we need to do more to help our veterans and their families, especially when the veteran is ill or wounded.
    Good poem.

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  14. Thank you Glenda, I definitely agree with you. There is so much that needs to be done. Thank you for stopping by. Susie

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  15. Such a poignant write Susie...Keep Hope alive indeed! ♥ ஆεlεɳa ~.^

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  16. WOW! What an amazing poem! You surely caugth the plight of many and the struggles they face daily on going!
    New ones coming hoem now from another war! And the plight goes on!
    WOW! Thank you for catchign the heart of a man who served his coutnry to have lost it all.
    Blessings

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  17. Thank you so much Bethe, it is sad that so many are out there, having fell through the cracks and more each day..Thanks for the comments..

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