Tears in the Sand
There was a time not so long ago
When I was not the man you know
A very different version of me
That most will likely never see
And in that there is a hopeful good
Karma unforgiven even if it could
A time of such moral insanity
Riddled with crimes against humanity
Employed in a machine made to kill
Haunted by the memories still
The only excuse to make it just
It was either them or it was us
But that is the great hypocrisy
Of the oft repeated fallacy
Their wrongs I would never know
Just evil because someone said so
You can wrap it up in the flag
Or some patriotic hashtag
But just because you know the song
Doesn’t mean you must sing along
Each action taken by choice
Pretending I had no other voice
I did what was ordered of me
Now chained to gifted misery
A loved brother and son to family
And all those things he maybe
But gladly would I take his life
My contribution to continued strife
If amidst the dry and sandy sea
They could sit right across from me
Would we still kill one another
Or would we have seen a brother
I’d like to think as individuals
We would have set some new rules
A new course could then be found
Finding human common ground
Yet no matter how we wish it true
This flaw in man resists subdue
A hatred fanned so steadily
By men who take lives so readily
Around the world we would roam
Told we were protecting our home
But in this barren stretch of sand
It is they who fight for homeland
If the fight beset our own shore
Deadly evil knocking on our door
Maybe I would better understand
All those tears shed in the sand
commonsensiblyspeaking 
Poignantly heart-wrenching; only someone who has shared those same boots can fully grasp the aftermath that permanently alters your life…
Thank you!
powerful words. while I am a pacifist, I certainly admire, respect, and am grateful for those who have served our country. I can’t imagine the effect that war must have on those who fight. thank for your service, and thank you for putting your thoughts of the experience into words.
Thank you, Jim! The true cost of war is never paid by the politicians who send the young men and women into harm’s way. If it were, war as we know it would cease. Thank you for your continued support!
we can only hope that some day soon wars will cease. But John Lennon was imagining the same thing nearly 50 years ago…
We can only hope…
You are a man with a good heart and a strong conscience, Brad. This poem is like a cleansing , unburdening of your angst. I could feel the trauma of someone who goes through situations not in his control. It’s the wisdom in all your words that pulled at my heartstrings.
A very happy new beginning to you , Brad. Happy new year , Poet.
As always, Yassy, you are so kind with your words and I appreciate all your support! I hope that the New Year holds nothing but joy and happiness for you. And, if the fates allow, maybe a collaboration together in our future! Sending love and best wishes! ❤
Of course. Let’s !
😁 Contact me through my email, when it is convenient, and we can kick around some ideas!
Okay
Yassiekhan@yahoo.com . If you think of something 😊
Wow. This is visceral x
Thank you ❤
Oh, Brad. I want to hug you. Only those who have worn the uniform can completely comprehend the extent of your words. Still, your poem was heart-wrenching. ❤
I am fully vaccinated and boostered. Hug away! Thank you for your kind words, my friend!
*Hugs* This will have to do until I can give you one in person.