The ghost

The ghost

 

 

I am a ghost,

hidden so no one sees.

 

I did not want to be here,

it was just a creation of the decisions I made.

 

I tried to make everything all right,

but if truth be told I am not worth being called a man.

 

I did what I did for what I thought was for the greater good.

But I failed everyone who meant something in my life.

 

I failed the ones closest to me,

but to the rest of America...

I forsake your trust.

 

No I did not become a traitor or a turncoat,

I just became a sorry excuse for a man.

 

I keep her secrets, never to be revealed,

and that will never change.

 

I did not go to combat,

I guess I didn’t try hard enough.

 

I have seen many friends go,

some made it back and others are still there.

 

 

I don’t ask for forgiveness, it’s not my right to ask.

All I ask (humbly)...

is that you remember everyone who has gone.

 

Including the ones that went with their families.

Reviews

[Frieda P]

Poignantly pen'd my friend. Very sad humbling state of affairs we put our men through, there's no winning in this situation,

[ron]

We put our women who serve through the same thing Frieda. I agree it is a sad humbling state of affairs we put every one in the military and their families through.

[Frieda P]

Did I say men, my bad, yes all those who serve, it's a catch 22, what do we do to protect our country's liberties, no good answers here.

[ron]

When tyrants and dictators seek to attack us we have no other alternative then to defend our self. freedom comes at a high price sometimes.

[Frieda P]

Indeed it does.......................

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i was lucky with the draft back in the sixties..part of me feels guilty for not going to Nam...part of me feels lucky, and part of me feels i was not meant to go...but write...and write about those who did with utmost respect and love.

years ago i published several poems in a viet nam oriented magazine...poems written by and for vets.

it was a moving experience...we ride a fine line sometimes...and that ride includes the emotions and scars...of being in the service or not being...

[ron]

Thank you Jacob. I know what you mean Jacob. I think we are all meant to experience certain things, and go were we are meant to go. There is a reason for every thing.

[Lyn Anderson]

A truly sad and meaningful piece. It is clear there is an emotional connection to this subject matter. One minor detail - revealed, not reveled. And I like the separation of everyone, it works.

[ron]

Thank you KL I made the corrections. I think part of me wrote this one so others who feel the same way might read it and know they are not alone.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

An emotive piece. My lil bro has just come home "safely" from active duty. This made me remember just how afraid I was that he had decided to leave again. It's a sense of duty most will never understand... anyone in those shoes (of a soldier) deserves our highest hopes and best of wishes. Well done!

[ron]

congratulation's to your lil bro and your family. Yes they should, and their family's to.

[s y e]

Ron, my friend, this brought tears to my eyes. Such a poignant write and something that people can relate to if in your position. I know that I, for one, will never ever, ever forget you my friend. I don't think anyone could forget you once they have either spoken or met you. I am sorry for all the friends you lost but you carry their memories in your heart and keep them alive in your poems.

[ron]

Thank you Sye. You are very kind. And I will never forget you.

[Vidya Bacchus]

This is truly sad and my heart bleeds for you.I guess a lot of people who went to war feel guilty for having survived and that makes no sense to me although to you it does.You sacrificed so much and lost so much for your country and you are a true patriot even if your heart tells you that you are not.I am sorry for all the friends you have lost and your greatest gift to them is to never forget them and clearly you have not.

[ron]

You have brought tears to my eyes (in a good way). I will never be one who has given as much as those who have gone or their families. I gave so little compared to what they have given. But your words encourages me to try and write all that they have done. Thank you Vidya. You have given me a great gift in your review.

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are welcome sweetie .Well I am glad my words meant something to you :)