For Veterans

the wars, the scores all numbered and dated

from the carnage to the heroes

do you suppose it’s all fated?

the soldiers, the sailors, they all do their parts

while we, at home, complain about our lives

not so often holding freedom fighters in our hearts

but today is for the veterans, regardless of their roles

many are homeless, hungry, lost no matter how he strives

and we must shoulder his security regardless of cost

to pay for battered lives, torn limbs, shattered minds

the things that happen to our sisters and brothers whose goals

are to be what they can be: leaders, protectors, healers,

not knowing what awaits them as they become targets

but all of them are heroes, all should be uplifted

given our honor and gratitude, a life worth living

when their job is done and the bells of freedom ring