I Thought We Learned

Our soldiers went off to war to protect us and our land.

They fought and gave their lives for us on the desert sands.

Of those that came home many were maimed and burned.

I thought we grew from Vietnam and that we had learned.

But standing in line for groceries there was a woman in front of me.

She was with her friend and they were as talkative as could be.

This woman said, “now I can not eat, I think I’m going to be sick.”

As I went to aid her I realized who she was referring to pretty quick.

Her gaze peered at a badly disfigured man in the line next to ours.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him, for he was mutilated with scars.

Oh, my heart ached for him, for it was a soldier standing there.

And I know he heard her talking for his heart was lying bare.

So I tapped the lady gently and said do you know.

This man fought for you so you wouldn’t have to go.

He suffered untold agony for you and just to make it home.

And you stand there making him feel freakish and alone.

I wonder what he’s thinking when he looks at you?

Do you make him sick, as you said he does to you?

You have no idea who he is and don’t care to know his name.

And I have never felt more appalled or more ashamed.

I left the line that I was in and walked to the soldier’s line.

I hugged him tight and thanked him for giving me his time.

Thank you doesn’t’ seem enough for your incredible sacrifice there.

I’m sorry for what you’ve suffered and you are added to my prayers.

Forgive those who spurned you for they don’t seem to understand.

The exorbitant price you paid for us, fighting for our land.

I want you to know you’re my hero and I soon won’t forget.

The price you paid for me there, before we even met.

God Bless you soldier and all those who fought and died.

 Know that we appreciate what you did; hold your head up high.

Ignore those that persecute you, for they know not what they do.

Our Lord said the same thing years ago and now so should you.

Written by,

Bonnie May