One by One

One by one they stand talking and moving down the hallways

Each in their own way protecting their heart and mind from the world

Their eyes seeking, covering each area as the move watching

Some passersby not understanding, stepping back, eyes downcast they no pride.

These walkers are our military they protected our country’s shores

Hours after our day and night end their job required diligence, strength and will.

Their days went on and on, seemingly at times no earthly end.

Today they gather for their medical needs they gather to honor to talk among their own

They gather to talk to shed a tear, they gather to pray over a friend held near.

They gather each day passing under The VA doors, our soldiers of today and yesterday

Some severely injured some want to make it through another day.

Some gathering remembering gently talking watching the onslaught of pain

Watching the torment of deaths storm as it rakes in the darkened door

Some will die with family and friends some alone trying to make amends

Many are forgotten cast aside struggling with their life and all it intends

Some fighting their own private battle from their injuries their mind and sight

They are owed so much these gallant men and women who insured our life in fight

Sacrifice has given me time to say what I want, to go to church to write and more

Their tears and sadness felt is an extension of who they are and that one more hill

That one more bridge and town they secured, back at home and another loss still.

For the citizens of the USA you are protected so that you can snooze

You can remark, you can vote, you can work, you can choose

There are reasons you can do these things a soldiers sweat and blood renews

So when Veterans Day comes, that one day set aside, stand tall and give good cheer!

Give respect to those who fought, those whose lives lay splayed upon many battlefields

Give a care for those still standing those remembering those moving down the VA halls

Shake their hand give them the recognition that you America remember and care still.

Carolyn Saxton is the proud wife of a retired Army Veteran.

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