Lest We Forget

Nightmares of a war that stole his vitality and youth, And when he returned home they treated him so unfair and so uncouth. Spit on and shamed for the role he had played, In a land so far away, now he felt betrayed. His nights were never the same as horrific dreams played over in his mind, This war had not been his doing and he couldn’t understand why he was treated so unkind. Released from the service this honorable vet, Just barely twenty one and with a mind full of memories he cannot forget. Now a loud noise may make him drop to the ground, Out of sheer instinct his mind replays those haunting sounds. He was willing to give his life as he had seen so many of them do, A war hero with medals, he thought God if only they knew. No ticker tape parade, not even a thank you with a warm handshake, Now left to roam the streets homeless and jobless, all because others viewed this war a mistake. What had become of the country which he had so honorably fought? And of all the lives that were lost, what had their sacrifice bought? His appearance took on a different look as the days turned into years, He stills wears his old army jacket and the sight of old Glory still brings forth the tears. His hair now is long with tints of gray and he still has those terrible dreams, That wake him up nearly every night in a cold sweat with blood curdling screams. The thing that hurt him most was knowing all the friends he had lost in that war, Seemed to have meant nothing to this country, as he gazes at his scar. His whole right arm he gave in that land so faraway, Thinking it a sacrifice for freedom which he was more than willing to pay. Next time you see an older vet try and understand his plight, And show him a little respect as he stood tall in this never ending fight. To protect our freedoms that are paid with bloody sacrifices and loss. And lying in Arlington you’ll find many laying neath their silent forever cross.