Thousand Yard Stare

β€”

by

in

Thousand yard stare

Just a casualty of war

Can anybody tell me

What the hell we’re fighting for?

Politicians dirty games

Money, power, greed

A war we never asked for

Another war we didn’t need

A boy arrived on Tuesday

He was in a firefight

He was crying for his mother

As he died on Wednesday night

I heard a young man screaming

He was looking for his arm

I promised I’d protect him

I would keep him free from harm

He was asking why I left him

As he screamed aloud in pain

Every night I hear the screaming

As it haunts my dreams again

As I stare into the distance

I see a thousand yards away

And the truth it finally hits me

I won’t be leaving Hell today

Dedicated to all the fine men and women suffering from wounds both seen and unseen.

And to the fallen, respect always. Your sacrifices are not forgotten.

Β©The Beginning At Last


Comments

28 responses to “Thousand Yard Stare”

  1. Oh… wow. This brought tears to my eyes. Powerful and certainly a good poem for dedication to those that served.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you very much, Liz. This one was a bit tough to write I must admit.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. If you’ve ever met someone who has this, you can only just barely begin to imagine what they’ve experienced in order to get that way.
    Thank you for writing this, Kevin. πŸ™ A powerful and haunting reminder to honor those who have served to protect our freedoms.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve known a few vets in my day who’ve been through some stuff. They are a different breed with very good reason.
      Thank you, Laura. πŸ™

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Yet the ones in power support this Human adversity, those in political sinecures mercilessly use the term Collateral Damage as a veil for them to escape from taking responsibility and onus for such Heinous crimes!! War rises out of Human Greed and it has only seen the blood of thousands of civilians and innocent lives crumbled- those who have never even been a reason to such calamities.
    War is a Shame
    Shrewd mind’s Political Game
    Call them out, call them by Name
    and you’ll only see more war again !!

    A salute to the Men and Women who risk their lives so that many can sleep peacefully.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Very well put, Celina. πŸ™

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you Kevin πŸ™

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Cheryl. πŸ™

      Liked by 1 person

  4. A very powerful and heartfelt poem Kevin, I have a nephew that lost both legs in Afghanistan and will be sharing this with him. Wonderful piece.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Ernie. I am very humbled.
      My utmost respect to your nephew. There are no words of thanks that are sufficient enough.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I mess with him all the time, I’m the only one to tell him to ‘Walk this way’ which most people look down on me for dawging him like that but he loves it and dishes it right back. He has adapted great to his position in life and has a great attitude.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. That’s great that he’s adapted and can keep a great attitude about everything. Massive respect for such strength of character.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. He definitely has my respect and gratitude.

        Liked by 2 people

  5. You made me cry, but it’s good to know about this and to feel these things. Thank you to all our service men and women out there, including my son-in-law.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Kymber. It was a bit of a tough one to write for sure.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. The thought of all of this makes me sick. Good poem, Kevin.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Mary.
      It was a tough one to write really.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. heartfelt, Kevin…πŸ™

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Destiny. πŸ™

      Liked by 2 people

      1. pleasure πŸ™πŸ€

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Powerful poem, Kevin. Thank you. πŸ™πŸΌ

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Edward. πŸ™

      Liked by 2 people

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  11. I send Love and Holy Light.

    Like

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