A Decorated Soldier

Once on the frontline, brave and bold

A few years later, broken and old

Once he was needed, lives he saved

Now he is lonely, his spirit he gave.

A decorated soldier struggling to survive

He disguises his pain due to his pride

Smiling on the surface, sadness within

Walking tall, weary, and thin.

Yes, we see him, just an old man

With our eyes wide shut because we can.

We fail to notice his badge of honor

He wears with pride upon his collar.

Which tells a story of a long ago hero

Who fought the war returning with zero

Who loved and lost with a heavy heart

For on his return his wife did depart.

An extended hand was all he did need

To help his transition to civvy life succeed

How different his life may have been

If only a loved one could have seen.