COMING HOME
WARNING WARNING WARNING
This page may cause tears, anger, bad
memories and the realazation of how we
treated those who put their life on the line
because "elected" officials gave the orders
ONE BY ONE,
THEY ARE COMING HOME.
They left the jungles
red with blood,
the Daves, the Johns, the Jims.
Boarded the Freedom Bird,
they were going home again.
Behind them
were the horrors,
the agony and the fears.
The memories
they brought with them,
to dim not ore the years.
Anxious hearts
were beating fast,
as the Freedom Bird
touched down.
Home at last
or so they thought,
but shocked
at what they found.
Some came off the
plane walking,
some on
strechers and wheel chairs.
Nothing
had prepared them
for the jeers and hate
filled stares.
What had they done
they thought,
as some bowed
their head in shame?
They had fought
for God and Country,
so for what did come
this blame.
Incoming spit
and rotten eggs
hurt worse than wounds
their bodies bore.
And all thoughts
of Freedom faded
as they stepped back
on U.S. soil.
Families could not
understand
why they were
not the same.
Some wouldn't
even listen,
when he would try
to explain.
No Welcome Home parades,
for the town's
people turned away.
For him
there was not
to be a real
Homecoming Day.
They went
in all directions,
and coped
the best they could.
Carrying
more guilt and shame
than any Veteran should.
They built
walls and bunkers inside
so they could be
touched no more.
And each night
they dreamed and cried
and fought a raging war.
For thirty some
odd years have passed
and wonder
where they are?
Some are walking
the homeless streets,
some in VA
mental wards.
Many have died
from illness
contracted in the Nam.
Some
just quit fighting,
some picked up a gun.
But by the
Grace of God,
some found the courage
to step out
"I am
a Vietnam Veteran,
I got the right
to be proud"
Turn away
if you must
or listen
if you will.
I've bore
all you threw at me
and I am standing still.
Although my steps
are weary
and my soul
is oh so sore,
You can take your
blame and guilt,
I won't carry it
no more.
I'll reach out
to my brothers
that are still standing
all alone
And by God
you can't stop us
One by One
We're Coming home.
Written by
Lois Adams
M A
This page for CHUCK who taught me so much, gave so much and ask for so little.
