Shadows
Shadows
A Poem by Coyote Poetry
Shadows
My sister told me. “You have changed. ”
She told me. “You saw too much shit and your mind and eyes are cold..”
I told her,.
“War isn’t personal.
You do what you are told. Try to forget and move on”
I kissed her forehead.
I told her. “War was easy.
This world falling apart around me.
I don’t know what to do.?
That the crazy shit I don’t understand.”
Up in the morning before five.
We don’t need no sunshine.
Organization, discipline, three square meals a day.
Old SGT. say. “It will be all OK.”
Young boss at work asked me too many questions.
I told him it is not for him to understand.
When you stand tall at attention. Salute a M-16, boots and helmet of a dead soldier.
You join a club.
The soldiers that lived must carry on with their buddies stories and memories.
Drink a beer on the day of their friend’s death. Can’t allow them to be forgotten.
.
Lying on cold ground.
Waiting for a hidden enemies.
You slapped your magazine to insure it is loaded right.
You light up a cigarette and hope all things will be alright.
Going to Iraq with my gun.
Going to kill some Iraqi sons.
Generals sent Division of soldiers.
Names don’t matter.
Reaching for more stars.
Mama and Papa sit by the phones.
Wife and family pray for the day their soldier come home safe and sound.
Soldiers talk about kids and woman.
Takes up most of our time.
No-one talks of dying.
Ain’t no race or religion.
Protect your friend back and he watched your back.
Soldier do right and wrong things.
A lucky man can walk away from all the shit and forget.
The shadow of war find you one day.
I stood with a mother of my friend killed in Iraq.
She held me up.
I saluted her son’s gravestone.
I go to the corner bar with other Veterans.
Drink to friends not here and missed.
Maybe baby sister is right.
The shadows are always with me.
COYOTE
‘No-one talks of dying.’ – That is so powerful. Your strength as a Poet/Writer is so great because the words you choose fit together so well. Some of my closest friends have been to War. I understand these words on a different level.
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My time is war zones made me learn we can take a lot. The military is a hard and a good life. We became friends with people from all beliefs and culture. Thank you for the comment.
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I cannot imagine any 2 people coming out of war the same,all scars are different and everyone heals differently. Your poetry is always beautiful,God bless!
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I dont know about war, Nothing, but perhaps what it cause on men. I think we cant forget, So, cheers for your brave men.
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We live in a world today. Where young people are choosing war over college. Because of no jobs and opportunity. I told my kids. Go to college. I don’t want you to be returned back to me in a body bag. I was a Soldier for 15 years. I went to four war zones. I believe we must protect our borders and people. Not send our children to police the world. Thank you for the comment. I do appreciate. Cheered back to you.
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Thank you Poet. I think you guys are really a brave men. You go where no one wants to go. And all tears are over your mothers, fathers, brothers,,,,,
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Reblogged this on Kith and Kin : The Sisters Grinn.
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No one is forgotten fellow veteran, fellow soldier, we just keep the memories and drive on.
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We must and support the one’s who need help. Thank you for the comment.
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You are very right. When I got out of the Army in 2010, it took some time to regain a sense of humanity again; being that it was my job to find our fallen comrades who had fallen in Iraq, they will all be a part of me.
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Thank you for all the wonderful poetry.
http://fairytaleepidemic.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/337-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
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Thank you for your many comments. I do appreciate. Give me reason to keep writing.
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the sad truth. Hope you are well.
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I had a hard time after I left the service. I lost three friends in the Iraq war part two. I never had no fear. I learn to dislike war when I had to stand with children of good friends. I’m okay today. I met the parent and tried to heal. War leave no winners. I pray and work for peace today. I followed my father footsteps. Funny part I learn his pain also. Thank you for the comment.
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