He sits quietly on the curb
Steaming coffee in a styrofoam cup
He watches life as it passes him by
His hat displays the bars of his rank
His shoes, his long and difficult journey
He speaks of the “Glory Days”
The time when he was a hero
His eyes glimmering with great pride
He recalls he had been willing to give his all
To ensure that his country would be free
This morning, he watches the sunrise
A bright crimson ball in an indigo sky
His jacket now tattered and worn
Still bears his name over his heart
Another day counting the cars at rush hour
Then the long walk to the church
Prayers of hope and a bowl of soup
Then journey back to his place on the curb
Wait in line to see if there will be a cot, tonight
Or at least a blanket and a place inside to sleep
A forgotten hero, lost in a world that is not his own
A world where he is shunned, for poverty is a sin
A place where freedom allows others to take so much
Because the hero gave until he was no longer whole
Another life cast aside, another heart left with little hope
Just a cigarette and a steaming cup of coffee
Excellent and so emotional for those of us who do care. I don't feel our veterns have ever recieved their just respect from the communities they fought to free. Thank you for writing what so many of us wish to say. - Vic
Your work is awe inspiring on this write. All I can say is that there is too much truth in it, but those long forgotten will be remember each time someone reads this beautiful tribute.
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on November 8, 2002
Beautiful tribute that you have done so well. No one should be on the street and yet it is our reality.
Sherry everyone is making me cry today. I love this and identified with it. What a sad commentary on society and it mores. How can we be so methodical cruel to those who suffer. We have to turn our eyes and pretend every day is Disney Land Day to not be aware of this. Bill
Reviewed by Cathy Montgomery (Reader)
Reviewed on November 7, 2002
Too many are forgotten and I'm glad you wrote this powerful reminder to help us remember their sacrifice.
For the past two years (2006-2008) The Bridge of Silver Wings has earned a name for itself both as a series of poems published in different e-zines and as a book first published in 2007.
What makes this 2009 edition a special one is th
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Tinka
What a wonderful and very heartfelt write.
That footnote ...makes me feel very sad indeed.
Lest We Forget...
Your work is awe inspiring on this write. All I can say is that there is too much truth in it, but those long forgotten will be remember each time someone reads this beautiful tribute.
excellent tribute
josie
Thanks for the R & R...
Ron