Duty Or Burden?
I joined of my own free will,
no conscription did force me,
for I do not apply.
For nearly two decades,
I did obey an inner calling,
one I carried since childhood.
I felt a desire to be a part of
the greatest gang in the world.
Finally, I did achieve my intent,
for half my life,
I lived the dream.
I performed well,
loving every moment,
not understanding why.
I did what many could or would not do.
I did the unimaginable.
Over and over again.
I did all that was asked of me.
I didn't do it for myself,
I did it for Them.
Now my dream rudely ends.
To be awakened abruptly by the fact
I am no longer wanted.
My goal just beyond my fingertips,
whisked away by a penstroke.
Now I try to imagine myself
without the brotherhood.
It feels dreary and cold.
How can such a great place
use our youth in such a way
then discard them along the road of life?
Unwanted? Rejected?
We now trudge through life,
purposeless. Without fight.
We live in the past,
with the visions they created.
Copyright © Linda Smith | Year Posted 2009
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment