What are we doing to our soldiers?! One man's tale... |
A Patriot – Lost… ‘Twas not so very long ago my father filled with pride when I elected to enlist – my services – provide. I felt a duty deep within to join in ‘our great cause’. But now my days are dark and gray – For me, there’s no applause… I’m sinking fast – for I’ve been ‘caste’ in life – an amputee. And unsurpassed – you look right past the person that is me… I risked my life! I lost my wife! It cuts into me like a knife! It all began one fateful night within the month of June – While on a run I faced my maker, underneath the moon. I carried secrets and supplies to our most noble men; I made them laugh with silly jokes – a true comedian… It came so quick – with such a kick it knocked me off me feet. I laid there dazed – engulfed in haze; not able to retreat. I shook my head and filled with dread, as others close around me, fled… I tried to stand and get away – my feet did not perform. Such odd sensations they gave off – they felt so strange and warm. The darkness was forbidding – my dear God! What can’t I see? No longer did I feel whole – No longer was I me… I felt below where legs should go – but one of mine was gone. Then shock set in – I felt my shin beside me on the lawn. Oh God! The fright! In black of night – I begged – “Don’t let me die tonight!”… I was so stunned – I felt my blood around me, all about; I had to keep my wits reigned in – for I was bleeding out… There wasn’t anybody else that I could see or hear. And then the clouds released the moon – my horror was made clear. I had to tie my stump – or die. My blood was going quick. T’was not my time to end my prime – My God! I felt so sick. I cried – I moaned; I felt alone, as I tied off my splintered bone… Then blackness fell upon my mind – Was I alive or dead? Upon regaining consciousness I lifted up my head. I had been found and taken to a M.A.S H. – my life was spared! This awfulness was over – I was saved! My country cared… I was alive! I did survive! They came and got me out – And better days were on their way – of this, I had no doubt. I lost my limb – It’s kind of grim – But once again... I’d learn to swim. They shipped me home and gave me help for injuries incurred. But then they left me in the lurch – to be a flightless bird. My job no longer fit the man whose body was defaced. My country that I served so well has left me in disgrace. I have no job – my country robbed the person that I was… I fought for them! But now – condemn the way they write our laws. What we deploy – we don’t employ – and soldier’s lives – we thus, destroy. I thought my nightmare ended when they rescued me that night. I gave my all – now freedoms lost... It’s here in black and white. Our government won’t follow through and help the ones who fell. My days are filled with bills and pain – My ‘freedom’s’ turned to hell. And so through you I will pursue; and ask that you be fair. A soldier’s strife – Their worth in life – The fact that we’re impaired? You’re safe and free by men like me – We fight your wars! Please hear our plea… |