The Veteran
I watched him
shake although
he was fearless
watching old
war movies
falling to sleep
on western films
in his slumped
over recliner
I studied him
as he opened
sardine cans as if
they were c rations
he fascinated me
as we struggled
with his support socks
due to his legs
swelling up so badly
he never complained
paralyzed in one arm
if you asked him
how he was feeling
he'd quickly respond
fantastic I'm fantastic
even when he didn't
seem fantastic rattling
on his walking stick
he closed himself
off from the world
there was only
one photo hanging
sideways on his wall
it read purple heart
recipient Vietnam
this fragile man
with eyes of a stealth
bomber wasn't just my
dad, husband, neighbor
or friend he was
My American Hero
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