Fallen Heroes

Shoulders stooped…eyes downcast Just a remnant of his past One day there were medals pinned Standing straight and disciplined Before his peers and singled out A Hero they said, without a doubt! Now he stands…shoulders stooped A cardboard sign about his neck is looped What price glory…what price fame No one even remembers his name Where is the hero of yesterday Is this the price that he must pay? Where is our gratitude…where is the thanks For risking his life in planes and tanks Even animals take care of their young Now he lives, forgotten…unsung Walking the streets, hungry…forlorn Wishing he had never been born! Where is the hero of yesterday Is this the price that he must pay? For shame America…land of the free He risked his life for you and me How quickly we are wont to say Whenever we see him to our dismay “Just another vagrant today” And avert our eyes and go on our way!” Where is the hero of yesterday Is this the price that he must pay? Copright©2011 For Paula Swanson's contest - Do You Know The Cardboard Man? (All rights reserved)