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And All Forgotten Wars
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I hold my head
Look at the mottled
Skin on my legs
And wonder
In addition to
Genetics,
How my father did it
How did he live?
What was happening
On the inside?
He was alone
For so long,
One way or the other
I think he wanted
Peace
From the war
But wouldn’t say so
And eventually
The lack of peace
Took him
Pushed him
Where he did not want
To go
Inside a dark place
That would accept
No light
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C L Couch
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The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Walke (DD-723) underway at sea in Far Eastern waters, 23 November 1953.
by W.L. Fowler, U.S. Navy, from USS Yorktown (CVA-10) – U.S. Navy photo NH 99810, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1622057
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clcouch123 
September 25, 2021 at 6:33 pm
Very poignant poem. Powerful writing in memory of your dad.
September 26, 2021 at 8:43 pm
Thank you so much. The image is of the ship he served on, when he was serving on it. The Korean War wrecked him in part, though others came through all right. He should have gotten help and been better for his family. But sometimes I simply feel sorry for him and wish his life had been much better than it was.
September 26, 2021 at 10:35 pm
Tragic. Our veterans did not get the help they needed. Peace be upon you. 🙏
How is your health situation? Hope you are finding some relief.
September 26, 2021 at 10:58 pm
I’m due for some medical treatment and maybe surgery next month. That should all help, hopefully. I’m also trying to move, which is going poorly.