Killed and killed

A true and sad story of the permanent wounds of war.

Killed and killed

On Friday night my father drank his rum.

He would come and wake me up late in the night.

I watched him and listen to his war stories.

He would start calling out to lost friends.

I would sit and pity him for his great pain.

.He drank every night to try to hide the burden.

He told me. " I enlisted son, I don't know why for Korea and stay a second tour.

The blood infested my soul.

I killed and killed.

I watched my friends die."

He would sit alone and talk to ghost of men left in un-marked graves.

I would carry him to bed.

He would whisper " they are not coming home."

My father had no fear.

He was a hard and cold man who loved laughter and woman.

God, those memories drove him crazy.

When he quit drinking he never talks of war.

He told me ' no-one cares about his time in the war.

He was another crazy Indian man killing for the USA.

Ain't no rewards now or then."

My father held all his Army decoration with great pride.

He was proud to defend his country.

He said " I know soldiers must fight to keep us free."

My father died a young man of 61 years old.

The old Soldiers came and gave him a 21 gun salute.

I wonder would he trade the nightmares and the blood on his hands to be clean of a war never won.

                       COYOTE

                     1998

Reviews

[Dakota]

So many in every generation feel no one cares about their time in war. The entire piece slammed home for me for reasons you're aware of, good friend. Your last line will probably remain one of life's unanswered questions. Would they honestly trade it all in for a moment's peace from the haunting regrets and nightmares? No matter what the answer is there are those of us who do care, wholeheartedly and to us their sacrifice will always matter. Thank you for this Coyote, thank you.

[Jordan]

Your father spoke the truth about war, it is sad that he didn't have peace of mind in his life. Even today do we really care about our children time in this war? or are we going blindly through life like it isn't happening? Sad poem and a good one.

[Tina Kline]

It seems wars killed those who fight in them in more ways than one. This is a very sad tale but it is good that he had you to be there with him. I can't even imagine what it must be like to go to fight a war than come home, such two completely different worlds. This is very much a story worth telling and reading.

[Mark]

thanks Coyote

[Marie Harrison]

Sad poem. Isn't it wonderful when life goes full circle. For a son to carry his father to bed and comfort him in his memories of his darkest wartimes while nursing them with spirits. Then when he's sober he refuses to bring up such topics, probably to protect you from such stories. It's a beautiful story poem. Lots of father and son love in this poem. Soldiers are appreciated no matter what race or color they are, for they shed red blood just like all of the others. Wonderful write.

[TaiPie]

This poem is absolutely stunning, showing the trama a war vet feels when he comes home. I'm so happy that he was proud of the decoration he earned though, and perhaps he wouldn't change anything. This poem makes me feel the emotions both you and he must have felt. Gorgeous and well written. Loved it.

[Black Cat Fever]

What a harsh thing to have to go through after having served your country. You were there for him and listened to his words, and that is very very important to him and I think probably for you as well.

[Star Wolf]

This is very sad but beautiful in a way too. Soldiers pay the highest price for wars, I think. I'm glad he was proud of the medals he earned. I'm proud and thankful for all the soldiers who fight for America.

[Michael X]

wow, what an amazingly heartfelt solute to your father's memory, and sentimental, real and beautifully expressed coyote, i could feel the
emotions your father had, and the anguish he expressed, your talent
shines through here my friend, outstanding job

[china]

I'm a Saudi Vet from the U.S. Army and I served my country for 8 yrs. I can relate to what your father went through. Coming home from Desert Shield/Desert Storm some people forget that freedom isn't free. Then their are some who appreciates everything we did over there. I proudly served my country and if I had to do it over again I would. I salute your father for his service to his country.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

My father was in the Korean War too and I heard some of the stories as well so I can understand completely ... it is a good thing Americans don't treat our returning soldiers like they did back then.