Time to Write a Poem

April 4. Visit to the VA Clinic

Visit to the VA Clinic

The covered walkway
lined on one side with roses
and the other with white metal benches
is long and wide. There is a sign off to the side,
"Smoking Area" with one green metal
container for butts, but no smoke drifts
from that empty spot.

The benches are occupied
with mostly men, some sporting a cap
naming Korea, Viet Nam, or Afghanistan
over the brim. They cluster in small
groups, all ages, one in a wheelchair
has only one leg, canes and walkers evident.

A sad eyed service dog hugs the leg
of his young master whose hand strokes a silky ear.
The dog wears a jacket that says "PTSD Dog,
Ask permission before petting" His young man
looks especially strong and fit
among his older, grizzled comrades and yet,
he belongs. Each newcomer
to the walkway gets a nod or a hand
Brothers born of war.
                    ~~ Judi Van Gorder

Notes: ▼

25 Lines.
Free Verse
For NaPoWriMo