All The Way Home

ALL THE WAY HOME

The lightning exaggerates tired, gray eyes

And the thunder muffles occasional cries

Seeking relief from his long haunted dreams

Could the V.A. quiet the late, midnight screams?

Feeling almost ashamed, he drove to that place

His pride was now tested and it showed in his face

This was the first time he'd ever asked for a hand

To deal with the demons from that faraway land

When he arrived, he explained why he'd come and was there

You've helped some of my brothers and I knew you would care

You made us a promise...to never forget

And that's why I'm here...You see, I'm a Nam vet

They asked him for proof, to substantiate his claim

Is there anyone to verify this...could you give us a name?

He said, Well there's Shorty and Frank, then Davey and Paul

I can't recall their last names but they're etched in the wall

You see, I was the only one who survived that firefight

They've been gone these many years, but I see 'em every night

All I have are these memories...Can you help me? he sighed

They told him, We're sorry sir, but our hands are tied

The arbitrary angels then closed and locked the doors

To another forgotten soldier, caught between wars

Thunder exploded again in the clear summer skies

And lightning flashed one last time on the tired gray eyes

November 04, 2000