Where have you gone, brother?
Seems like just yesterday when you went away.
Sometimes I feel broke inside, but I never say.
Since you been gone, nobody understands.
Every day I push for my -- mind's eye.
To forget that man's face.
But when I shut my eyes like his, that picture I can't erase.
This mortal coil- holds me down so heavy.
Lost my trust, and painted face friends.
Innocence has left me-and I just wasn't ready.
If only I knew if you could hear me say-
Wish I could hold you in my arms,
Wish I could take the pain away,
Thank you for all you've done,
Forgive all your mistakes.
I'm sorry for- What we had to do,
But there's only so much young men can do.
And it hurts me to- live without you.
And when it comes to this-
Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
No, there's nothing I wouldn't do.
To hear your voice again,
Sometimes I want to call you.
But I know you won't be there.
Thinkin back- I was just a boy.
Shakin hands that first time out.
Floatin to earth at night-
Overflowin with doubt.
Future boatman of the apocalypse-
Hung up in a tree-
Fingers too young for the knife they gave me.
So much stress- It was eatin me constantly.
Whether thunder or rifle,
It tempted me till my tank was on empty.
No patience left in me.
Back home-
They asked for protection,
Then refused to defend me.
No time to feel.
No time to back up.
Push that down-
On the alter of freedom,
You see the devil close up.
My dearest friend-
Why did you have to go away in the end?
If we had just one more talk-
If we had just one more day-
I'd tell you how much that I've missed you since you went away.
No, there's nothin I wouldn't do-
To have just one more chance-
To look into your eyes,
And see you lookin back.
I'm sorry for-
What we didn't do,
But there's only so much young men can do.
So many friends to lose there, but God let me keep you.
On the day my life folds down,
When I'm turned to ashes or in the ground.
When the sunrise hides from my tired eyes-
Promise you'll find me, and I'll promise it too.
But for now it hurts-
Living without you. -
For J. Roberts
By Penny Roberts
Some where in this poem I see my service in Vietnam.
It is sad that 22 veterans a day commit suicide.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and good health.
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