the greeting

the greeting

 

 

still hiding in the woods

the swamp veteran

purple heart

mind askew

because they asked you

to serve

to swerve

to avoid bullets

and mines askew

aplenty

 

came home to a chorus of boos

they didn't understand you

you suffered for the call

found all 

were against you

 

now hiding in the woods

wearing your hood

to cover your complexion

which is rash with frustration

as you surmise what you did wrong

 

when we were children

doing what we were told 

evoked praise

 

not a second purple heart

for enduring the bullets

that turned to a verbal raze.

 

 

erin-cilberto

10/26/23

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

I think the poet is sharing the event that transpired in Maine at the hand of the mass killer who was a decorated veteran. Sad events. As we watch the horrific events in the Middle East, we get some of that senseless violence in the states.
Might be signs of the end of times Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

It could fit that...thank you for your words, Sami,
j.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are welcome sir Jacob.

[Betty Hermelee]

A powerful poem about those who should not have guns, have with horrific intent...and in seconds, many harmless humans lay dead, blood and body parts all over; then the shooter hides in the woods and like a coward shoots himself...very strong words make this so believable....
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Betty...so many hard poems to write.
j.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A strong write here

It happened too here
They weren’t allowed to March with others for years on Anzac days It’s changed now
It was truly horrid

Thanks for this Jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, change isn't always for the better.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

My heart sinks for those who rose to the occasion, did their duty and returned not as heroes but those to be despised. They were conscripts in the war I recall not those who wanted a military career. You do them proud here, saying it, as it is.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, they faced awful verbal assaults.
j.

[andrew mitchell]

For King and country, a sacrifice indeed but the shame lies with the public changing their views and ostracising those who were prepared to sacrifice so others can live.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

They judt did what they were supposed to do...they had no choice.