A WELL TRAVELED HEART

Tag: soldier

  • PEDICURE

    PEDICURE

    Morning in the nail shop,
    two Vietnamese women and I
    hear a man’s voice drawl

    “I want a pedicure, that’s all.”

    Men don’t enter here, this world
    of polish, lotion – free of fear.
    Perhaps we misheard – he repeats it slow

    “A pedicure, please, nothing more.”

    We avoid each other’s eyes
    as he climbs the chair
    to perch above the foot bath
    a green beret on his unkempt hair.

    Is it memory or mercy this veteran seeks or
    simply gentle hands on tired feet?

     

    Published on http://www.vietnamwarpoetry.com/cpcynthiamsheward.html

    Image – Old Shoes  © Zimogljad | Dreamstime.com\

  • WARRIOR

    WARRIOR

    Without leathers, he’s but a man
    Irish face, tan, thick waist.
    But garbed in medals, head-rag, boots,
    he’s Genghis, Grant, Hannibal –
    thunder rolling on a Harley.

    Still a warrior 40 years on
    jungles long gone – no Cong to fight,
    he defends in statehouse, hospital, VA
    his band – most dead by 64 –
    and others from more recent wars.

    Cigars like old rags stain his hands.
    He smells of man: smoke, sweat and musk
    sleeps poorly, dreams of violence each dusk.
    The price of war’s eternal vigilance
    perpetual keeping score.

    published on http://www.vietnamwarpoetry.com/cpcynthiamsheward.html