Thinking about him

I wrote this poem today for my husband. He's doing a 12 week PTSD cohort at a VA hospital. I was feeling a little sad about him because we've been having some deep talks since he's been there. I wanted to post it to my online diary here...

War is never the answer. It distorts the character of good men and women who have to fight. Love will set us free. It will set the world free one day. This I have to believe.

Boystown Vietnam Vet
Born inner city bangin' to stay alive

Hopeful turn got Flanagan's big dream

Made the most of it and a life was foreseen

Drafted--his will stronger than steel

Brought back distrust was unable to feel

Entered lives of those who wanted only love

Was wrong of them to believe he ever could

Babies abandoned, never have to explain

Then she came who saw in him

a goodness distorted by pain and welcomed to life

The beautiful soul of this put-upon man

Loved him more than any could--saw in him all of his good

But he couldn't love her never no and

Finally she said, "Please go"

He knew that it was time--she and the kids would be just fine

Still a deep sadness encompassed both

And the man just sighed and left in search

of the one he's lost--Himself.