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by Tinker Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E · Book · Writing · #2152501
Inspired by challenges at Poet's Place Cafe, a forum designed to hone your writing skills.
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#932091 added February 8, 2020 at 4:59pm
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Outside the VA Clinic
Merit Badge in Honoring All Who Served [Click For More Info] Congratulations! Third Prize Winner, Honoring our Veterans, May 2019.


Outside the VA Clinic

Mostly men in somber colors
cluster along the covered walkway,
sitting or standing near the white
metal benches that line one side
of the cement VA Building.

The absence of cigarette smoke
drifting from the green "smoking area"
allows the scent of roses
that grow groomed on the other side
to dominate the Spring air.

There is a cacophony of laughter,
a cough and bass and tenor voices
that drawl in conversation.

A jacketed, sad-eyed PTSD Dog
hugs the leg of his young master
whose hand absently strokes a silky ear.

Bob sits a little taller in his chair,
sporting his Korean War cap,
as I wheel him to the entry door
and a Viet Nam vet, opens it for us.

The savory, sweet taste of camaraderie
is extended to each newcomer
in a nod, a hand, or a word.
Brothers born of war.
                   ~~Judi Van Gorder



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