Returning Home

His life now has permanently changed
Costing him more than aches and pain
As slowly he walks on prosthetic legs
Humility reigns, taxing venturous brain.

Propelling courage fiercely he fought, 
Defying death, meeting face to face.
Concealed within his unflinching image,
Torment open wounds of unholy place.

Unsteady mind roams haunted now,
No longer capable to hold a steady job.
Death and destruction hammer his mind
Where angst and hurt relentlessly throb.

Determined as ever but he feels restless
Having acquiesced to tallies of life,
When his toll was counted in unpaid bills
And loss of dignity to agonizing strife.

Able man he was before he went to war
Returning home after he almost died.
As a grateful nation sincerely thanks him
Resolutely he moves to restore his pride.

November 9, 2018

Dedicated to veterans of war
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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

12
Proxenos Avatar
December 8, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Hi Vijay, Have read numerous of your meaningful comments so thought I would visit your poems, and happy I am I did! Veterans come back alive and well, or alive and poor, or alive and maimed. They have all fought bravely for love and country and deserve all the honour and accolades bestowed upon them, but many of them at a cost to family. Great poem Vijay, very touching! Best wishes.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 20, 2018 at 4:16 PM
I am positive I read and commented on this wonderful moving poem Vijay. Anyway...I loved the respect and honor you bestow on all Veterans of war! : ) xxoo
Pandit Avatar
November 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM
Thank you Connie.
Hinshaw Avatar
November 16, 2018 at 3:38 PM
An outstanding verse, Vijay, and sadly it describes all to well the plight of too many vets. Many thx for your kind comments re the mouse, cheese and cat verse. Bob
Pandit Avatar
November 21, 2018 at 3:45 PM
Thank you Robert.
Warrior Avatar
November 15, 2018 at 5:48 AM
Awesome write my friend...a dedication to remember for the hurt and fallen...love & light...^WW^
Pandit Avatar
November 21, 2018 at 3:45 PM
Thank you WW.
Callus Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 1:45 PM
A significant dedication to those who give their all as they serve their country and brethren. An impressive and touching poem, my friend. Regards // paul
Pandit Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 3:28 PM
Appreciate your kind remarks, Paul..many many thanks.
Michael Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 2:51 AM
It's truly a sad thing these soldiers must endure ... not to mention the reason why... Well done Vijay...All the best my friend
Pandit Avatar
November 14, 2018 at 3:28 PM
Thank you Arturo..appreciate your visit and comments.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM
A very moving tribute to all veterans Vijay. You ended this wonderful poem perfectly. Bravo! : )
Pandit Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 2:19 PM
Thank you Connie--appreciate the kind remarks.
Mitra Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 10:37 AM
The pain and thoughts of the warriors..their vulnerability..so well expressed.. it's like you have felt it close.. liked this one
Pandit Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 2:18 PM
Thank you for your visit..I appreciate your comments.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 1:51 PM
Excellent Veteran’s Day poem!
Pandit Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 4:29 PM
Thank you Kim.
Sathasivam Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 1:09 AM
Excellent dedication and a great tribute to veterans. Thanks for sharing it
Pandit Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 7:55 AM
Thank you Ravi..appreciate your kind remarks.
Kannan Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 9:27 PM
Such a great tribute to veterans. Your powerful words brought tears. Lovely dedication.
Pandit Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 7:54 AM
Thank you Supraja...appreciate the kind words.
Horsman Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 3:18 PM
I can only join the other poets here, and thank you for writing this wonderful dedication..
Pandit Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 7:53 AM
Thank you harry. Appreciate your visit and comments.
May Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 8:36 PM
A great tribute to veterans Vijay..
Pandit Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 7:49 AM
Thank you Joseph.
Goff Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 5:08 PM
Fine tribute, Vijay!
Pandit Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 7:49 AM
Thank you James.
Rose  Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 4:06 PM
it is not easy coming back from the war and trying to live in a world of normalcy where people have not felt the effects and ravages of war. How beautiful strong and timely this poem is, we owe our great patriots so much. Thanks you for sharing Vij, have a wonderful weekend.
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 5:08 PM
Yes--the nation feels gratitude. War takes its toll in many ways..thanks for the visit and your comments.
Onclaud Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 3:54 PM
glorious devotional to our men who fought for freedom, just like my dad... vijay, you raised the roof!...huggs
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 5:06 PM
Many fought in the world war, like your Dad did..thanks to them we enjoy freedom. Thank you nette, for your visit and comments.
Dietrich Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 10:55 AM
Awesome tribute to veterans, Vijay. Such a poignent picture of this brave soul.
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 1:22 PM
Thank you Andrea. Appreciate your visit and comments.
Ashley Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 9:11 AM
A poignant portrait of a man emotionally and physically broken by war, but defying defeat with his heart’s determination to rise above his inner turmoil. An amazing poem highlighting the sacrifices made by some in the pursuit of freedom for others. A grateful nation, indeed, Vijay, I thank you for your honoring poetry dedicated to our brave war veterans. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 10:18 AM
Thank you Susan. I really appreciate your visit..and your comments are always a pleasure to read.
Man Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 7:47 AM
Vijay.. moving tribute to our Vets. We do honor them and you remind us that sometimes the greatest sacrifice is not losing your life but rather living a lifetime without the life you would have had. Freedom has never been cheap!
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 10:16 AM
So true..freedom is not cheap. Well said, my friend. Appreciate your visit and your comments.
Nicole Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 11:33 PM
You express the heart of one, one that has been through it all- for all mankind. You express this with such depth and emotion. Beautiful and tender, at the same time. A wonderful dedication to all those that serve, or have served. I honor them, along with you. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 7:38 AM
You are so right--the nation is thankful to those who serve. I appreciate your detailed feedback..many many thanks, Brandy.
Cunningham Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 8:49 PM
Beautiful tribute Vijay, we should all salute those who return and mourn those who don't. Even more so this coming Sunday when the war to end all wars ended. Tom.
Pandit Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 7:36 AM
I agree with the sentiments you expressed Tom. Appreciate your visit and thoughtful feedback. Many thanks.
Hinshaw Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 4:24 PM
Very well expressed, Vijay - The vets deserve our highest praise and thanks especially those who were maimed or made the ultimate sacrifice! Most every where I go, folks thank me for my 30 years service in the AF and I always reply: "Thank you - I was honored and privileged to serve" - Bob
Pandit Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 4:45 PM
First let me express my sincere appreciation for your service to our nation..I am deeply in debt of those who serve. I agree with the sentiments you expressed, Bob. Many thanks for your visit and comments. Carolyn mentioned you in her comments..certainly she knows of your long service and sacrifice for the good of the country.
Roper Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 1:28 PM
Veterans are my heroes , nicely done.. They need to be respected and their needs filled since they place their lives out there for us
Pandit Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 2:06 PM
Right you are, Eve...they make the sacrifices..all volunteer to serve..they do deserve our collective thanks and respect and a lot of practical help after they return. Thanks for the visit and kind remarks, Eve.
Sharp Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 12:28 PM
Very poignant, a fitting tribute to the courageous and their service.
Pandit Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 2:03 PM
Many thanks Lawrence--appreciate your feedback.
Devonshire Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 12:17 PM
Vijay, there is a disabled vet who moved into the house next to mine. As Veterans' Day approaches, it seems important to thank them for the sacrifices they made to keep us free. But we must also realize they have obstacles to overcome when they return home. What a great dedication to our vets! Bob Hinshaw should see this. Hugs, Carolyn
Pandit Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 2:03 PM
Thank you for visit and comments Carolyn. You are so right..they keep us free..courageous in the face of danger. Sad to see how many suffer after coming home.
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace