poems printed in black
help bring written words to life
for those with weak eyes

His Need

With limited eyesight I was searching
for one more supermarket item to buy
He was a rotund gentleman and a bit shy
asking me where the razors were sold
saying that he shaved twice a week at
his age which he confessed was only 89
To my question about World War Two
he sighs and nods as if I had intruded
I pursued to where he served and for
how long and was shocked to learn
that he landed at Normandy and was a
combat soldier 332 days with no relief
A whole year I gasp shaking my head
He nods and adds that when his outfit
stopped the officers told them they
were in Czechoslovakia a nation he
didn't know but they fought the enemy
through all of France and Germany
His litany of ailments began and I
open my arms and hug this veteran
in thanksgiving for his kind and the
fact that his life was spared so that
we could find each other today
Without embarrassment we wipe
wet eyes and shake hands as friends
His final words stung as he whispers
Thank you for caring because few do


2007 F William Broome