Change

Dirty and disheveled

No shoes on his feet

Tired and famished

No food to eat

His pockets empty

His last penny spent

All that remains

A hole and some lint

All he owns in a basket

A box for a bed

A story written in a notebook

This is what it read:

"I was sixteen when I left

Nearly twenty two when I returned

My left arm completely gone

My right severely burned

I wasn't just a boy

I was so much more

I was a soldier

An asset to a war

I gave my all

I nearly gave my life

I survived the struggle

Now I struggle to survive

I was dealt a bad hand

The system had four aces

I went all in

And came out among the faceless faces"

As I finished reading

I thought it somewhat strange

For all that I owe this man

Why does he only ask for change?

Reviews

[Trace]

It is so sad that so many return vets and hero's end up on the street.
your last two lines were very powerful.

My older brother served in the Marines during Vietnam and I served in the army during a short period of peace this country has seen.

I thank you for this wonderful, thought provoking poem.
Well done.

Trace

[Perkele.7885]

I am liking this piece that you have penned as I can identify. I do have some critique about one line that broke your wonderful flow of your prose. And came out among the faceless faces'.

[Shweta Singh]

this piece is one of the most brilliantly penned pieces I've read here...the sharp word play, the universal appeal,the twist & every other component makes it a great poem...it pushes us from our comfort zone to ponder & question... thanks for the read request Keely!I'm honored...

[gombeggar]

a lot 2 be said here...I haven't got the words cuz i'm no vet

[Astro]

A very good write KJ, with many thought provoking questions and spotlighting the indifference to suffering outside our doorsteps. Power to the people, one love, one goal, respect and truth.

[Ency Bearis]

A moving poem and such an eye opener that we should honor and respect those soldiers who sacrificed for the country. Great write.

[Angi]

Amen. Amen. We owe them so much. The picture and your words spill so much truth. Angi~

[Cool Handless Luke]

Very nice work. As a veteran I applaud you for delving into this one. Many men have gave all. And many have become the shadow of their former selves. Great poem KJ

[SyberRose]

I agree and I wish we could pay them back some how...Great photo too.

[Elle Thompson]

This is very effective, reads well, easily the best of your work I've read so far.

[Veronica Chandler]

This piece gives me chills, and the "double entendre" "I want change" is a brilliant use of words. I am so glad to hear someone highlight the impossible debt we owe these men who gave everything for our comfort. Thank you for illuminating this point.