Le Voyage Magnifique

The Veteran

He served his country with honor
on military mission
to defend our values.

Today, he fights arthritis
instead of Viet Cong.

Bouncing grandson Toby on his knee,
he tells alluring tales
of where he has been,
from Sicily to Singapore.

On Sunday, he goes to church
and prays
for successors' safe return.
Then, he watches football on TV
and sips a beer or two.

Although he spends a lot of time
sitting on the couch
with his constant companion
Arthritis,
his thoughts are always with
those on the front line.