Mike Never Came Home

Mike came home from Afghanistan yesterday,
I ran into him at the VFW...he looked at me
from behind eyes that had seen what no 22 yr. old
kid should have to see....he told me he didn't 
belong here, that his brothers were in the s---
and he wasn't there to help......

Mike came home from Afghanistan two-weeks ago,
but only his body was here, his head was
still playin' tricks on him....... Mike didn't say much,
just blasted his drinks and looked uncomfortable.

Mike came home from Afghanistan three-months ago,
I heard he had been a recon sniper in the Stan,
 and watched as one of his brothers had been 
ambushed and snatched in the distance,
unable to help.......

Mike came home from Afghanistan four-months ago,
people said he went crazy at the bar, raced-off
on his motorcycle and crashed goin' 110 mph.
around a highway crossover in the pourin'-rain.

Mike never came home from Afghanistan,
but his body's in a box, buried in his hometown.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
Devonshire Avatar
October 17, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I love this one, James. Congratulations! Love, Carolyn
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
August 17, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Congrats James on a realistic look at war's effects. Vince
Jordan Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 10:16 PM
James excellent poetry congrats on placing in the contest - God Bless, MJ
Johnson Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 3:23 PM
This contest spawned a lot of good poetry but none touched home more than this one. Solid proof nothing good ever came from war. conratulations on your high placement. Joyce
Mason Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Sad, poignant truth here that will be repeated hundreds of times in the future. Awesome write, James ... you caught the absolutely horror of war and the future we all have to witness with this excellent write ! Congratulations on your win in Debra's contest.
Kurth Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Very moving poem, James. And unfortunately too true for too many. Congratulations on the placement in Deborah's contest. Krista
Brown Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Congratulations on your win in Deborah's contest James. Love, Carol
Lewis Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 6:04 AM
Very moving. TL
Lewis Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 6:03 AM
Congratulations for your winning poem. TL
Strand Avatar
August 14, 2009 at 1:42 AM
Congrats on your success in Debbie's contest Jim.Rgds Brian
Richards Avatar
August 13, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Hooray for you James!! A winning poem....I knew it would be among the winners when I first read it! Congratulations! !Love, Carrie
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
August 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
James Marshall Goff, you did it again! This happens to too many wartime soldiers. You touched a deep spot with this write. Congratulations on your well deserved placement in Deborah Guzzi's "War...what is it good for?" contest. Sincerely, DAS-J
Higgins Avatar
August 13, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Congrats!
Bird Avatar
July 24, 2009 at 7:50 PM
James, you know how to make a girl cry don't you? This is incredibly moving sad poem here so many times you hear of these type of stories about these brave men of war that return home but, never are the same and some can't live with the horror they faced during those times so they either remain lost or leave the earth. I thought I was cried out today then I came here. Great write as always, you know how to touch the heart.
Joe Avatar
July 24, 2009 at 1:07 PM
The way that you create a timeline with the stanzas but use the measurement of those stanzas to create a feeling that things are getting out of control. There is an odd feeling that this elegy is more intimate than say poems of the World Wars. It is as if the poem is telling us that there is no greater ideal than the individual. This poem is vastly different from other elegies that I’ve read which use the dead to celebrate the living. A truly a great creation!
Robbins Aka Gonzo Avatar
July 24, 2009 at 7:17 AM
this is what writting should do this poem hits like a sledge hammer and tlls a truth all to often ignored today this i one of the best poems ive read in a very long time and i mean that great work Jim
Devonshire Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Awesome write, James!! Those who serve overseas have many complicated residual effects from the war. I really like the way this poem built over a period of time and showed how the horrors Mike had experienced slowly took their toll. And that last verse is brilliant! Love, Carolyn
Kershaw Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 7:29 PM
James, Not all casualties of war happen on the battlefield, nor do all wounds bleed. My condolences for the loss of your friend. This one touched me in a place few do. Excellent tribute to your friend. You will both be in my prayers. Always, Will
Rider Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 7:04 PM
It's so sad what happens to our young men during a war. You brought tears to my eyes with this poignant poem. ~Trudy~
Köhp Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 7:02 PM
What is a VFW? Anyway, very strong narrative and the smooth lines add a constant pace, so it's always an easy flowing read...though by it's very nature not necessarily an easy read :P Nathaniel
Freeman Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Good narrative Jame, very revealing, thanks for sharing,Moses
Richards Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM
This is so powerful James....one of your best poems so far. So sad it chokes the reader with sorrow, yet does what wonderful poetry should do......it makes us feel such heart wrenching emotion. Yes... Wonderful poetry. ~ Love, Carrie
Peranteau Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I was sippin some ale when I read your poetry here Mr. Goff,...and it turned into gulps. I pray your soul does'nt hurt to much. God bless you friend. Beautiful poetry here Sir. james
Guzzi Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 4:49 PM
PLease enter this in "War what is it Good for?" contest....most telling, great structure, perfect form...important message! Light & Love
Chircop Avatar
July 23, 2009 at 4:15 PM
you made me go for tishoos,this write wrenched my heart,terrible truth of war and its consequences my friend,sad reality to many-powerful deep heartbreaking true story--well penned and going to my favs with honours--charma
12
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