The Old Warrior

“The Old Warrior” They look at me and shake their heads That non-compliant taking up this bed They whisper in a tone that says it all And hurry to enter a note so small. Do they know I buried my wife a month ago? That my time to grieve may be too slow I cannot see my pills so well these days For my eyesight is slowly fading away. I would love to tell them of the time I fought the enemy behind their lines I long to tell them that in my prime I worked all day in the hot sunshine Defending this country with sweat and blood Earning the right to occupy this bed. All I ask is that you treat me good And hold my hand when the demons come Look at me as you would your Dad Envision me in the life I had And when I slowly close my eyes Salute this soldier and let me die. Deborah M. Kelly?