The Bravest Battle
(Dedicated to David M—veteran)
The Gulf War Battle and Anti-Nerve Gas
Left wounded soldiers in its wake;
Young innocent men disabled for life
With fragments of broken lives to remake.
Their dignity and character oft gone unrecognized
When residing inside the private well of pain
Where one’s intimate and personal world
Is a lonely challenge that seems all in vain.
The soldier’s heart craves health and normalcy
Which they’ll never suffice to have again
Bearing the brunt of war-torn bodies
Making the most of life—doing the best they can.
The ultimate bravery of an afflicted soldier
Found in silent nobility seldom observed
Is the aftermath of fighting bravely for his country
Struggling with a shattered life beyond repair.
Greatness grows from the torment of misery
While building strength and fortitude to survive
Inspired by his struggle to glean satisfaction
Despite trials he must bear to simply stay alive.
And so, picking up the pieces of existence
Putting a disabled life back together if he can
Marks insurmountable greatness that a soldier has
The greatest battle of all—the bravery of a man.
© 2008 Jeanette Cooper
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JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
As a Gulf-War veteran from another country, who was tossed aside in my own country after becoming disabled during the war, I am moved by your poem and I want to say that you have captured it all and said it beautifully. Bravo!
Michal
Blessings ~~ Micke
Be always safe,
Karen
Found in silent nobility seldom observed
Is the aftermath of fighting bravely for his country
Struggling with a shattered life beyond repair.
So many of them are suffering today; for all of us. And we need to give them far more support then we do.