I am a veteran with good memories of my time in the Army
Yet I feel uncomfortable when talking about it.
I have gone to war, proud to have served my country.
I have questioned war, those that clamor for it have never been in it.
I helped raise a family, I have known and still know love.
I have led soldiers in war and in peace. I have run businesses.
My life has been driven by events, requirements, people and due outs.
What happened to my world?
Where is my path now? Where are my milestones?
When did politics get so extreme?
I am out of place, out of time and out of shape. What happened to my waist?
How has life moved on and I have not.
What happened to my passion, my drive. Where is my memory? Names of my grandchildren escape me. How can that be?
My muscles are sore now, and I tire more easily. How will I look with a cane?
My grandchildren wear me out now. They are so innocent.
Will I be remembered when I fade away?
As I take my walk, the wind blows across my face. I like wind.
I wave and say hi to my fellow walkers who are out and about. We all smile, all lost in our own questions. COVID sucks. Must maintain our social distancing.
Who am I? A speck in time or an eternal spirit. The eternal spirit appeals to me, but today my body aches. I am a senior citizen, needing a nap.
© Dennis Lutz, January 2021
Material may be reprinted or distributed only with author permission
