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
I really like this Susie...Keep Hope Alive!
ReplyDeleteThank you lorely, yes, hope is sometimes hard to find.
ReplyDeleteThere 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 :)
ReplyDeleteThank 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
ReplyDeleteHi 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...
ReplyDeleteFabulous, heart-felt poem. Thanks so much.
Hugs,
Betsy
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
ReplyDeleteSusie, this is a thought-provoking and emotional poem. Well written and compassionate. Nice job with this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Daisy for the nice words and for stopping by. Susie
ReplyDeleteNice poem, Susie. This is a poem that tugs at your heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet,It tuged at my heart while writing it. I could feel his misery...
ReplyDeleteHi Susie,
ReplyDeleteYou have another in a great line of heartfelt poems here girl! Just more proof of why I follow you !
JL
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!!
ReplyDeleteVery touching poem, Susie.
ReplyDeleteI feel that we need to do more to help our veterans and their families, especially when the veteran is ill or wounded.
Good poem.
Thank you Glenda, I definitely agree with you. There is so much that needs to be done. Thank you for stopping by. Susie
ReplyDeleteSuch a poignant write Susie...Keep Hope alive indeed! ♥ ஆεlεɳa ~.^
ReplyDeleteThank you Helena!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an amazing poem! You surely caugth the plight of many and the struggles they face daily on going!
ReplyDeleteNew 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
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..
ReplyDelete