From Scattered Seeds of Thought

A Tribute to a Veteran

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Tribute to A Veteran

You will not see my uncle in uniform
Waving the red, white and blue in parades.
His heroic ventures didn’t take that form
Though he worked in Vietnam barricades.

You will not see my uncle on Veteran’s Day
When so many boast of their service with pride.
Though my uncle spent many a birthday
Surrounded by fire at people's bedside.

You will not see my uncle lay flowers on graves,
Although he laid them at the side of many a patient.
My uncle saw hundreds who died, but were brave.
He tendered and loved those men of his regiment.

You will not see my uncle this Veteran’s Day.
He was never a soldier, never carried a gun.
He doctored and cared for, and fed men pureé.
He cheered them, he sang; he gave them some fun.

You will not see my uncle in uniform
Waving the red, white and blue in parade.
His heroic ventures didn’t take that form,
Yet he died from a Vietnam grenade.



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