THE QUIET WARRIOR

The quiet warrior deflects the praise,
He rejects the notion, of heroic ways.
The evidence stands, despite protest,
Here is one who gave his best.

The Brothers on the Wall of black,
O Sorrow that they'll not be back.
This mystic place, this solemn thing,
Will always hold its' painful sting.

As you live, honor those past on,
Your legacy is the inseparable bond.
Let go of guilt and refuse the pain,
Your bravery and sacrifice were not in vain.

Let the healing start, let all be warned,
Never again, let a veteran be scorned.
Teach our youth, what the fighting was for,
Nurture respect, for the patriots of that war.

©Copyright 2003 by Kimberly S. Bayes

Author's Note: The Quiet Warrior was written after a Viet Nam Security Police Association Reunion in 2003. I was so impressed with how they have handled their painful reception by society.