One Veteran's Day

firkins and gherkins and whistles and shoes
cluster bombs, punji stakes, death in the news
choppers chattering
napalm splattering
a carpet bombed mind with asian war blues

cracked vinyl records and medals unworn
black and white photo, ex-soldier unshorn
wheeling chair
graying hair
a beaded necklace with peace sign well worn

tobacco stained fingers shake with a curse
lips pull a drag with help from a nurse
flares ignite
will he fight?
a battle goes cold, memories submerse

wheeled to a corner, he stares at a wall
that others can’t see, for him it is all
locked within
he can’t win
a war without end... unspeakable gall

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016



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Date: 12/13/2016 1:26:00 PM
John: I've just read a number of your works and this is by far the best I've seen. This is a true "refection" of that gentleman's soul. Thank you for sharing your insight and you're right, lets quit making more. Keep your words coming. Thank you for sharing them with all of us on the Soup. oldbuck
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Lim'Rik Flats
Date: 12/14/2016 9:43:00 AM
Well, all these damn wars give us something to write about;-( Keep smilin' buck, the world needs role models! ~ j
Date: 11/11/2016 9:55:00 AM
Hi John, Yep as I said before you can write a limerick using any topic or subject. This is very sad. It was such a fitting write for Veterans Day- Alexis
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Lim'Rik Flats
Date: 11/12/2016 8:00:00 AM
Thanks Alexis. I try to stay away from the sad ones, but this one's too important. Huggaletskies! j
Date: 11/11/2016 9:19:00 AM
This is the most profound limerick I've ever read. You've really pulled off something special with it. Nicely done, Dave
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Lim'Rik Flats
Date: 11/12/2016 7:59:00 AM
Thanks David.
Date: 11/11/2016 8:34:00 AM
our soldiers our glory...a real hero's story...reflect...respect...should be mandatory
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Lim'Rik Flats
Date: 11/12/2016 7:58:00 AM
Honor the old, stop making new ones!
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Alexis Y.
Date: 11/11/2016 9:56:00 AM
I totally agree, with you Tim-Alexis
Date: 11/11/2016 7:55:00 AM
You paint a very sad picture. God bless!
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Lim'Rik Flats
Date: 11/12/2016 7:58:00 AM
Tis very sad for some:-( Thanks Daniel.
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