THE HURTING

Life, sometimes cruel
reasons. unexplained
drifting away into nowhere
confused thoughts. going insane

My love, my children's father
gone. taken into darkness
never to return . never
feelings numbed. disbelief

Caring not to survive
in this moment of hell
hurting. feeling his pain
seeing our children's faces

Now. this moment
unbearable grief
his visions a sharp pain
tears. tears. fear

Many tomorrows to face without him
and. dark missing nights;
sun will never shine
blackness never to brighten

Damn you Viet Nam
you bastard of wars
... damn you.
see what you have done

Wives without husbands
children without fathers
mothers without sons
fathers without daughters

You have destroyed
all that God has created

Damn you!!

©Copyright April 22, 2002 by Charles E. Preston