veteran

somebody
somebody heard
somebody heard bad news today
she’s out on the front porch
I don’t know what’s worse
all dressed up for church on Sunday

those millions are lost
but you have a name
those millions wander astray
but you still remain
and you’re all torn up
all messed up
all screwed up
at least that’s what they say

missing in action
leaving you motionless
time is trapped in a bottle
it still moves, I guess
vintage has won
new has been swept away
our flag is still waving
and you’ll come back one day
all torn up
you’re all messed up
you’re all screwed up
at least that’s what they say

heroes lay down
and cover a wall
“all gave some
and some gave all”
horribly rejecting
the ones who return
guilt and shame
and the years still burn
minds
still
burn
here…

july 30 1999