Broken Soldier


The people at the terminal,
patted him on the back and cheered.
They said welcome back home soldier,
and then they quickly disappeared.

They pushed and shoved their way past him,
while he tried to get on the train.
They turned and looked the other way,
as he sat outside in the rain.

He had a girl he left back home,
before he was shipped out to war.
But now that he’s just half a man,
how could she love him anymore.

When singing the songs of freedom,
someone must pay the fiddle man.
But was the price too high for what,
he had left in Afghanistan.

He was just another soldier,
on a train going to somewhere.
Was trying to tell his story,
to some people that did not care.

His pant legs pinned above his knees,
bottle of whisky in his hand.
He’s just one more broken soldier,
coming home from a foreign land.

Look the other way if you can,
you don’t want to show him pity.
For this poor ole half of a man,
lost and alone in this city.

People pretend to be sleeping,
but when they think he cannot see.
They whisper in each other’s ear,
I’m so glad it’s him and not me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Fisher Avatar
December 20, 2023 at 4:54 PM
Enjoyed your story about the broken soldier. I'm sure many feel that way. I wonder how many don't expect pity, knowing we're all human with innumerable needs?
Pandit Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 5:52 AM
So sad, how they are treated when they return. Ill effects of war stay with them a lifetime, yet they don't get the benefits to survive and prosper. Great theme, Jerry.
Brotherton Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 10:08 AM
Thank you, Vijay.
M  Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 2:30 AM
Heartbreaking write Jerry…..so touching which made me feel emotional…..Debx
Brotherton Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 10:02 AM
Thanks, Deb. This is an issue that both inspires and angers me. Have a beautiful day, my friend.
Rose  Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 7:34 PM
War wounds never leave a soldier, he just learns to cope or drowns, with the help of those who love and care for them, they can live a decent life, if not, they turn to booze. Nicely expressed
Brotherton Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM
So true, my friend.
Edmonds  Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 7:27 PM
A very moving write Jerry, it must be so hard for soldiers having to face the atrocity of war, the mental torture and physical pain, how could they ever be the same again… Belle
Brotherton Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 9:59 AM
Even those that appear to be okay, usually are hiding behind a mask.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Thought-provoking write! He feels he can’t return home..what was it all for…and others are glad it wasn’t them. My son did not go to Iraq but he called us and told us he might volunteer…we couldn’t be cowards and persuade him not to go…but it was hard to hear. God bless all those who serve our country.
Brotherton Avatar
December 19, 2023 at 9:58 AM
My children have not served, but I have many nieces and nephews who are or was in the military. Myself and my brothers served, but none of us have been to war. Knock on wood.
Flood Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 5:38 PM
Our soldiers choose only to serve. Our governments choose the nature of that service. But, it seems our vets are undervalued, even pilloried as though ‘the war’ was of their choosing, You write a scathing yet accurate account of one hero’s return. I hope a few find succour in your recognition of their plight.
Brotherton Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 6:25 PM
Thank you for your compassionate comment, my friend.
Bowring Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 4:20 PM
Such a poignant poem Jerry and so well written with insightful compassion. So thought provoking and makes you reflect. This tugs at the heartstrings and you have captured the awful, unfair, undignified treatment that they can endure so well. An excellent poem. Thank you for sharing. Many blessings to you for a very happy Christmas:):)
Brotherton Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 6:23 PM
Thank you, Christina. This is a passionate subject for me. I hope you have a very merry Christmas, my friend.
One Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 12:42 PM
First of all its bad sending these guys to wars that do not need to be fought, but when they come back they do not get the help they need and that is why there are so many veterans who suffer. You have written an excellent poem showcasing the sufferings of soldiers.
Brotherton Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 6:16 PM
Thank you for your kind words. Too many of our brothers and sisters have fallen into the cracks of life. People ignore them like they carry a plague.
Bauer Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 12:28 PM
well said, jerry! how awful it must be for someone who's been in a war to come home and have to readjust to a new life, often without the support he could use. so sad!
Brotherton Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 6:14 PM
Thanks for your kind words, Ilene. unfortunately, this is a daily occurrence.
Cunningham Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 4:56 AM
It annoys me when our brave servicemen and women return from a conflict and are ignored and just told to get on with it. And many might not have physical signs but have mental health conditions that we don't see. The horrors that they witnessed you just can't imagine, many turn to drink and many take their own lives. We should be grateful to them for their sacrifice because God only knows what regime we'd be living under if they didn't. Well written Jerry, a fave for me. Tom
Brotherton Avatar
December 18, 2023 at 6:12 PM
Thank you for your comment, Tom. So many vets are living on the street because of PTSD or other mental issues. Most people just try to not look them in the eyes.
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