I am a veteran

I'm by no means a poet, but felt it appropriate to write something on this day. Happy Veterans' Day.

I am a veteran.
Loved ones I’ve forsaken,
Toiled in unknown lands,
For people still unmet.

My conscience lost in foreign land,
My blood was spilt in Vietnam,
My sweat on the hot sand.
Tears I shed on Normandy.

That blood and sweat, my tears,
My conscience sacrificed.
These tokens I have given up,
As payment for my debt.

I am a veteran.
Babykiller I’ve been named.
Warmonger, and worse.
Yet none regret war more than I.

Defense for helpless have I provided,
Communism, Fascism overthrown.
Some millions I have liberated,
And freedom procured.

I am a veteran.
Your thank you likely I’ll accept,
Though secretly despise.
Recognition I do not seek.

My creed is simple to recite:
For God, for country I give my might,
In defense of liberty
And for the man serving next to me.

My actions you may not understand,
Nor my motives, nor intentions.
Yet squander not the inheritance I have bought,
As it was purchased at heaven’s gate.