Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks

Bill Rohlman shares this story with us, in observance of Veterans Day:
Where Did The Country Go Wrong
He was getting old and paunchy -- His hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion -- Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in -- And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies -- They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors -- His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly -- For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer -- For ol' Joe has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer -- For a Veteran died today.
He won't be mourned by many --Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary -- Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family -- Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing -- 'Tho a Veteran died today.
When politicians leave this earth -- Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing -- And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories -- From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran -- Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution -- To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise -- And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow -- Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country -- And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend -- And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate -- To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Veteran -- Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal -- And perhaps a pension, small.
It is not the politicians -- With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom -- That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger -- With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out -- With his ever-waffling stand?
Or would you want a Veteran -- His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Veteran -- Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Veteran -- And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us -- We may need his likes again.
For when countries are in conflict -- We find the Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles -- That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor -- While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage -- At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline -- In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY." https://www.smokstak.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=1619710" rel="nofollow"> Reply With Quote