A River Runs Red

The plight of destitute veterans is paid lip service on the news...a lot of them have been abandoned by the government. >Like this one....

A River Runs Red

 

A broken veteran limps on two

steel rods with metal feet stapled on,

marching down to the river to dip a

fake toe into healing water(?)

 

The veteran is forgotten now,

medals earned now rusting in bureau drawers;

they are not worn to the river

or rehabilitation…

Passers-by shake their heads (what a shame)

but don’t look at the face,

only the appliances shining brightly

as a career once did.

 

The faceless veteran staggers, drunk

and hollow

to a home that is an uncaring

witness to pain so blinding…

steaming like piss holes in snow.

 

The veteran returns once more

to the river, now

running red…a tear

is shed to mix with

the frothy water

unnoticed.

 

dan © 2016

 

Music: “Demons,” by Imagine Dragons

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Melinda McQueen]

So true and it's sad. Powerfully written.

[dan]

Thank you for your thoughtful review Melinda. take care...dan

[Tina Kline]

So true and its a terrible terrible thing. If it wasn't for veterans who were once our warriors we wouldn't have ever been a great nation or a great country. They do deserve the best, not the politicians who are in a positions to give themselves the best, undeservedly so. This is a really well written, strongly emotional poem.

[dan]

Tina, As a veteran myself (I served in peacetime, none of the residual damage sustained by the vets of which I write) this is a topic that really pisses me off. Politicians figure all they have to do is say, "I support our vets" and their part is done. So much needs to be actually DONE instead of said and I thank you for your kind words of support. BTW, I've bookmarked your page and will do a review soon. I noticed you tend to write DARK themes and that's right up my alley. Thanks again! take care...dan

[Tina Kline]

You're very welcome.
And I look forward to seeing you on my page soon. :)

[Olivia]

powerful portray of vetreans

[dan]

Thank you for your kind words Olivia. I will get to your page to do a review ASAP. take care...dan

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and honest words.
"The faceless veteran staggers, drunk
and hollow
to a home that is an uncaring
witness to pain so blinding…
steaming like piss holes in snow."
Old war become forgotten, old men die alone. The story honest and sad. Thank you Dan for sharing your amazing poetry.
Coyote

[dan]

Thank you John. The way a lot of heroic veterans are treated is mentioned often, but still the neglect is rampant. They should be entitled, not to millions of dollars, but to basic services and human dignity. It is the least that our country can do to thank them. take care...dan

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. I see many on the streets of Detroit. Gave-up and forgotten. You are welcome Dan.

[.]

I can understand your theme and intent of this poem, Dan.
The plight of the veteran is synonymous in most countries around the world. Men and women, who take up arms for their country, sacrificing their lives, their bodies, their sanity for the freedom of others and the false pledges and gratitude of governments and politicians. Vets the world over, are still suffering from their demons and despite being back home, they are made to suffer further indignity at the hands of uncaring governments who willingly sent them away to war in the first place.
A powerful, timely write, Dan.

[dan]

Doodley, You so eloquently described the message I was trying to impart. I believe all rational people feel badly about the situation, but others may need to be reminded. That's what I tried to do. Thank you so much for your feelings and review. take care...dan

[stargirl23]

This invoked many emotions..I loved the way you ended it with one word in its own line: unnoticed. For the line with the '?', I might switch out "fake" for "damaged" or something of the like, since the water is described as "healing." Hope I helped!

[dan]

Adi, Thank you for the informed review. I've used the one word final line before and it serves to emphasize a key word. In response to your suggestion, the reason I use 'fake' instead of 'damaged' in this case is because it is not just damaged, it is prosthetic, thereby 'fake.' Healing water is an image used often in poetry in fact it may very well be biblically mentioned. But since nothing can "heal" a prosthetic, the question mark serves to question my own use of the word 'healing.' I am always willing to receive constructive criticism, and I thank you for voicing yours! take care...dan

[Ruth]

Unnoticed and unseen, shockingly so in fact...whatever anyone's opinion of war, they deserve more, much more...heart breaking Dan...powerful piece :)

[dan]

Poppy, Thanks so much. As a veteran myself this is an issue close to my heart. I served in peacetime and have no residual effects but have much concern for the men and women who do. I appreciate your viewpoint. take care...dan

[Taylor]

Thank you, Dan, for sharing this poignant poem with me. Your images are graphic, heart-breaking and unfortunately, ring powerfully of the truth. As you know, I don't know much about poetry, but this is a very impactful poem.

[dan]

Taylor, Thanks so much for your fine read/review. Your kind words make my efforts shine in my heart. I just reviewed one of your stories to reciprocate (a GREAT story!). take care...dan

[dan]

Thank you Danny. I am a veteran (served during peacetime...no residual affects) who feels so bad about the treatment for a ton of vets is nonexistent. This piece was not about anyone in particular just a representation of the status of some vets and the treatment they so deserve.
Thanks for your read/review. take care...dan

[Dani The Unreviewed]

You are welcome.

[Dani The Unreviewed]

Sad fact that some people will never be appreciated. Ever. Even tho they probably gave much effort into serving their country and nation. Still, I say be proud of your own, and protect, serve your homeland well. Sorry for your loss.

[Dani The Unreviewed]

Reminds me of a song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTRIgyYS5vo&app=desktop