He walks the dark streets
looking for a place
to lay down his head
he'd gladly embrace
Maybe a park bench
or a dark corner street
tomorrow's another day
and 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, 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, 2011
This is a repost from March, 2011. They were talking on the news today about how many homeless veterans there are in the US.. I find it hard to believe sometimes the shape the country is in, not just with veterans but with so many homeless and hungry people..We all know the reason behind it and it's been coming on for years. They have left out the most important one of all , God .. When God is not in control this is what happens.. We need to continue praying for all involved..May God Bless Each One...Susie
This is a moving and sad poem, Susie. It is such a tragedy we have so many homeless.
ReplyDeleteThat's for sure, thank you Daisy.
DeleteI agree with Daisy...your poem brings to light just what desperate trouble our country is in.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteYou've got a sharp eye and a good heart, Susie.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gorges..
DeleteThe message of Christianity to me is really very simple: help the poor and sick. It's not hard to understand; it's just hard to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's so hard to do with so many in need..Thank you.
DeleteOh Susie,
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely poem and yes, very sad...our veterans deserve so much better! no one should have to live like this who has served their country!
Thank you Tracy, you are so right and yet there's so many people , not only Vets living like this everyday. I think about it quite often when I lay down at night.
DeleteSad poem, Susie...You are right. There are lots of homeless in our country--both vets and others. AND--with our country moving away from God daily it seems, who knows what our future as a country is going to be... Scary, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Thank you betsy, I wonder about that myself.It sure is scary..you take care..
DeleteVery sad and touching, Susie. I shudder to think what our grandchildren face in the coming years, with God being pushed out of everything.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I to shudder to think what they'll have to face.. We can only put it in God's hands..
DeleteA most heartfelt posm, sad to think that soldiers who have served their country to give freedom to others is reduced to liveing on the streets.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thank you Yvonne.
DeleteA beautiful and very sensitive poem Susie. Hug and xxxx
ReplyDeleteThe news of many homeless veterans is shameful!!! They wander the streets like animals instead of humans..The government needs more homes or farms for these men. Somewhere they can be helpful and gain more self respect. It makes you want to run out and find them and bring them home. I know my Ray, he goes into his own little world. Sometimes he can do jobs around the home and other times he lacks interest in everything. Its hard.
Thank you Crystal, the goverment needs to do lots more but it don't seem to happen..I think of the ones like your husband and what he goes through..I'm praying for him and all of them..My husband has his moments too...He doesn't talk about it either..
DeleteYour poem expresses so beautifully the sadness of this situation. God bless all soldiers and veterans.
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie, yes God Bless them all.
DeleteHi Susie! I love this poem and it is hard to believe that it has been a year since you last posted it, it just seems like I read it a couple of months ago. Wow, time is passing so quickly! You have such a way of empathizing with people and helping us to feel what it is like to walk in their shoes. It is such a gift. Thank you for sharing it with us again. With Love, Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you Delisa.. glad you enjoyed it..Time has a way of getting passed us..
DeleteSusie,
ReplyDeleteThis poem is really good, but it just breaks my heart that after our veterans fought for our country, some are homeless. That's just so sad. You captured this homeless vet very well in your poem that brought tears to my eyes.
It breaks my heart to Brenda and thank you so much.
DeleteOh Susie, you have hit the nail right on the head. It is vain to try to build a house without God as the foundation. And it is so sad that the best and brightest and bravest who went out to fight for our liberty are not valued and rewarded, while those who are intent only on getting the most they can for the least amount of effort seem to be rewarded. Not right.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's a shame.. Something is very wrong.thank you.
DeleteThis left me with tears in my eyes. My cousin was bound by that war, and lost his battle a few days ago. Thank you for this! It meant so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, I will be praying and you are very welcome..
Delete