A stranger, I became.

July new poetry number fifty.)

A stranger, I became.

He was corrupted by the Army, almost 15 years, twisted his minds and his needs.

Once he needed home, once he needed his family.

And now he need new cities, new faces and

the strong whiskey.

Somewhere in time,

war killed his kindness.

The new cities made him seek unknow places and ancient buildings.

And now pretty faces of kind women made him forget,

he was Michigan born.

He returned home and he learned.

Once he was a part of many people lives and

now he is a stranger,

with a new voice and different eyes.

He told the night.

The scars of living,

the scars of war made me a homeless man.

Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Cherrie Palmer]

The empty stare that cannot switch off the past.
-Or-
Possibly cannot switch on the moment.
My dad could balance the two but never turn the corner from it.
Some soldiers can close that door but like a Jack- in-the-box- without notice there it is bobbing it ugly head waiting to be put back again.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right dear Cherrie. My step-father fought in three years in Germany, 1943-1945. He never discussed once. My father fought in the Vietnam and Korean war. wasn't so easy for him. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest John... we appreciate the Sacrifice that our beautiful
men and women make... for the sake of a World where we can have freedom to enjoy the fruits of our land and natural resources. Many of us who stay at Home... are prepared to Love and Nurse our War-torn Men and Women when they return home. It is our Privilege and Honor. And now we live in a Time when Ill Winds blow around the World. We stand together Hearts entwined to Save our Freedom from Tyranny... Amen xxxxxx

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Pat. The war are never-ending my friend. I fear, like my father taking me to be shipped to war. I will do the same for my grandchildren. This scare, the hell out of me.

[Chris Shaw]

Anyone who survives a war zone is changed forever. When you witness firsthand what our species can do to each other, something inside dies.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris. You can see the lostness in a Veteran eyes who saw too much war. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Temperance]

It is so sad that we can’t take care of our vets the way we should. A good but, sad poem my friend. Our vets should never be homeless!!!!! Thank you for writing this piece. Temp

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend. USA leaders had forgot the people. Today 40 millions USA citizen could lose their homes. It is time to have less government. Federal Government, just create confusion. Thank you for reading.

[Temperance]

Always a pleasure!

[Emunah June.]

Powerful. It says everything it needs to say without saying too much or too little. Beautifully done.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Emunah June. I appreciate the comment.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

War takes and corrupts and ruins so much. This poem of yours gave me chills. Trauma changes people, war changes people and I could feel that in your words. The metaphors, the lines you used. It’s heartbreaking that ex military people don’t get the help they need and deserve. There are so many ways we need to improve this country but very few people actually want to start. Thank you so much for sharing this truthful, chilling piece.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear friend. We cannot stop change and in most cases. We decided our ending.

[Kim S.]

Made me think about things, nicely written and expressed. Emotional read

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Becks for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Robert Haigh]

War can change people, for sure, in many ways. Most countries now try to help army vets, and repatriate them back into society, with help if they need it. But not all ex-military men get the support they deserve, and others fall through the cracks. A sad situation.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Robert. USA homeless. Are mainly veterans. USA need to do a better job. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Your syntax is desperately in need of repair, my friend. I like the intention but cringe at the presentation.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Fabian for the honest opinion.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Syntax is never "opinion". Syntax is a set of rules which govern usage in the English language. It applies equally to everyone using the English language. It is not at the whim of the writer or poet. One must familiarize oneself with the language in which one chooses to communicate or fail to do so properly. Your writings are rife with poor usage, misspellings and grammatical errors. Your subject matter, emotional delivery and strength of description are laudable but undermined by the delivery. I've mentioned this often when reviewing your writing but it's not because I don't "like" your writing or think that you are without talent as a writer, quite the contrary, it is because I do like your writing and think you have great promise as a poet.

[Melinda McQueen]

War wreaks havoc on a lot more than just the battlefield.
Thanks for the reminder.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Melinda. I appreciate your comment.