Why had he not gone out
This question buzzed in his head
His mind full of self doubt
His nights full of fear and of dread

Good friends they were those brave five
They had fought to the last and for what
And why was he left alive
With not a scratch not a mark not a cut

He had seen men killed in combat before
But it had never troubled him like this
It was not the blood and the gore
It was the guilt he could not dismiss

He knew what he needed to find
He knew he could not go on
Someone to help with his mind
To help before he was gone

He met her at the VA
A doctor helping the boys
She touched him with her kind way
She touched him with her poise

Finally his story released
The girl was steadfast and strong
His pain was slowly decreased
Gently she brought him along

She had helped him reconcile with his guilt
And with that she had saved this man’s life
She broke through the walls he had built
He was relieved of his pain and his strife

He now remembers with honor and pride
Crossing that hot desert sand
He understands why he hadn’t died
He had met his duties demand

DB Marsh