Bruised, hurt, wounded,
some were broken far too badly
to be fixed
some ended it all
some drank and doped
some remain homeless
even to this day.
some could not face
what they saw
some could not live with
what they did.

Others came back
overcame, endured
some had to talk, some not so much
Many became educated
graduated, participated
in society.
Many became teachers, doctors, lawyers,
preachers, engineers. All walks of life.
Some lived normal lives, many were a
success.

After the war:
Not all were lost,
Yet, not one was left un-scarred.

By CR Binion

I know what it's like to
shoot at men I don't know how to
hide and hope I don't show
fear in my heart, or mind
of getting killed or left behind.

I know what it's like to
duck and dodge a bullet,
break a tooth and pull it
taking the cap off my beer
trying to drown all my fear.

I know what it's like to
feel a bullet hit the bone
wish to God I was home
lose blood then pass out
wake to cries and shouts.

I know what it's like to
come home to hate and not be loved
never be a hero but pushed and shoved
be spat upon and called names
know life will never be the same.

by CR Binion

Pour out your heart and soul,
and others read and say… so?
That's the way it goes,
when one is a writer.
Agonize over just the right word
and others read right over it.
It's absurd, the life of a writer.
Why do we do it? They ask.
We answer, Why do we breathe?
Oh, to be a writer.

CR Binion

Rare is the night
when the bird takes flight
and even in spite
of darkness wings his way
to a new day.

Common was the time
when you were mine
and even in love's brine
your toughness remained
and you refrained.

By CR Binion

.

Intrusive thoughts killing me
finding me alone at night
Turning inside out
about some little thing
No one cares not
even me

Random running to and fro
never allowing leave
Killing any chance
to sleep perhaps
to hallucinate

By CR Binion