Ben Burton Poet Rhyme

America the Free

America the Free
© Ben Burton 11-11-2014

Atrocities of war
That mortify the soul
So bravely have they fought
With freedom as their goal

But there's an afterlife
For combat veterans
A stark reality
That is too often shunned

By those of us who've reaped
Rewards from what they've done
Meanwhile, they have to cope
With horrors from the front

But life must carry on
Tomorrow's a new day
I heard one soldier speak
Here's what he had to say

"Don't dwell on what you've lost
On pieces left behind
You still have your right hand
Your left foot's working fine

Bronze stars and purple hearts
Nice tokens of your deeds
But they won't buy a lunch
Of burgers, fries and tea

A bottle offers warmth
And helps to cloud your mind
But there's a life to live
That should not be denied

A gentle summer breeze
Conversing with a friend
About the here and now
And not the might-have-beens

You know what you've achieved
For liberty lives on
Those scars and missing limbs
Can't be allowed to taunt

Go forth with what you have
And proud of what you've got
Remembering your pals
Who got no second shot

The rest is up to you
For with your victory
You too still have a home
In America the free"

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Dan Helppi November 11, 2014 at 5:48 PM Great poem written here Ben, Very nice to see the harder parts to write about. The important parts. You did good! Ben Burton November 12, 2014 at 9:38 AM Thanks for the read and nice remarks, Dan.

Robert Stoner Jr November 11, 2014 at 11:26 AM Well done, difficult but words of truth.Liked your poem. Thanks for remembering Americas Veterans Ben Burton November 11, 2014 at 11:34 AM Thanks for the read and nice comments, Robert, as well as (I assume) your service.