a veteran

rarely tells

what war he knows inside

of battles fought

and good friends

lost

all those he saw

that died

serve

your country

fight

for freedom

watch your buddy

die

come home and

have a normal

life

while the young

forget

or never know

why they live

so free

but, no

he won’t tell

too many stories

that are still

his nightmares

however he’ll come

out with his

diminishing forces

wearing ribbons

and a poppy

proud

stoic

with wheelchairs

canes

watering eyes

listen to the bugle

the pipes

then silence

respect him

honor them

remember