I wrote this poem in memory of and in honor of our American Veterans.

This poem is in the Lagniappe section of my cookbook, "How Mama Made Gravy From An Old Flat Tire.. No Sir, This Ain't Your Everyday Southern Cookbook!" I wrote it Dec. 24, 1996 in honor of our American Veterans. "Repaid" The old man looked up at me with sad and hungry eyes, I should keep going, I thought, I'm not responsible for his demise. I strolled along looking around, but with all the noise I heard no other sound. Only his cry came back to me. Only his hungry eyes I could see. I rolled along in my wheelchair, thinking, what could I, a cripple, possibly have to share? My legs no longer work. But, he has not a penny. I do have a home. In fact, I have plenty. So I turned around and gave him a smile. I asked, "What do you need man?" He said, "Just visit awhile." So while we sat and talked I noticed his scar. When I asked, he said, "Oh, that's from the war. By the way, it seems I've seen you before." I had looked into his eyes. I had heard his cries. Yes, I had seen this sad face in some other place. We just sat and stared for a little while, then his face lit up and he began to smile. "Joe, is that you?" And from his face left years of strife. And then I knew, this was the man who had once saved my life. "What are you doing on this street all alone?" His face looked down, "I have no home. Those dreams, you know, they keep me up at night. Since the war it's been one constant fight. I keep running and running but I still see their faces. So this running has taken me to many lonely places." "It's time to stop running, Tom. There's nothing left to see. Let's leave from here, you can come home with me. There's a place you can go, there's this one I know, who can wash every sin and save you from men." So Tom got up and helped Joe down the street. What were the chances these two would again meet? Together they traveled back to Joe's home. And together again, another battle was won. Tom went to church and found salvation. He and his soul won't die now from starvation. Joe could hardly talk as he wiped away his tears. He cried as he said, "After all these years," he swallowed hard as he said to his wife, "I've finally repaid the man who once saved my life." Please don't forget to support our American Veterans!