Veteran Code
Veterans helping veterans
That’s how the code goes
For there are certain things
Only a fellow veteran knows.
On the local radio news
The newsreader had said
A man was attacked
And been found dead.
He didn't wear specs yet
A pair perched on his nose.
I said good morning to him
Why are you wearing those.
He took them off muttering
From a bloke I killed last night
And before I could react
He was gone out of sight,
Away through the door.
I thought how absurd
I though that I really
Must have misheard.
Checked with Police
Thought it best
But they’d already
Made a valid arrest.
He came back that night
Getting on for quite late,
Said he couldn’t cope
Was going to self immolate,
Could he borrow money to
Fill his empty petrol can,
Just twenty four and a
Four tour Afghan Veteran.
We called the police who
Spared him the Hell
Of locking him up
In a cold Police cell.
Had him sectioned,
Taken into proper care,
Qualified people to
Look after him there.
He’s fully recovered now
With a child and loving wife
Seems to have settled down
To a stable and normal life.
If I see him these days
He doesn’t greet or speak,
Says I betrayed his trust
That long ago fateful week.
I was hurt at first
But pleased we won
For he’s still alive
So good job done.
Veterans helping veterans
That’s how the code goes
For there are certain things
Only a fellow veteran knows
Copyright © Terry Ireland | Year Posted 2023
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