photo courtesy of Kellie Elmore
Born through the grace and mercy of the Lord
Workin’ on Papa’s farm since my feet taught me to walk
Mama called me shy, her worried little boy
Happy to plow them fields sunrise to sunset
Got called up at eighteen to kill the commies in ‘Nam
Found myself knee deep in rice paddies
or in jungles lined with mines and leeches
Saw friends lose their limbs and lives
Lost my mind
Drownin’ in the blood left on those hills and in those huts
Red the common color in comrades, babies and women
Numbed my soul in the arms of yellow girls and in bottles of hooch
Got myself hooked on smack when the demons ruled my dreams
When the killin’ was done, they brought me home
Leavin’ me with nothin’ but the ghosts carried home in bags or draped in flags
Papa died while I was gone and Mama sold the farm
Found myself on the streets lookin’ for the next fix
‘Til the shelter took me in and cleaned me up
Spend my days workin’ the soup line and waitin’ for the clinic to open up
Livin’ and dyin’ through the grace and mercy of the Lord
Another great one from Kellie Elmore this week We wrote a story from this image that she posted on Instagram. His name is John. Check others’ out at:
Building A Life Of Hope 
beautiful on all levels. tony
Thank you! And thanks for the all the “likes” as well. Will be stopping by to check your blog soon.
I don’t know if I can top your write-up. It is wonderfully written.
I have to say running before I write clears my head for the words that flow! Thank you! 🙂
I really enjoyed your line ‘since my feet taught me to walk.” What a wonderful way to express how we instinctively figure that out. Good story-telling all around. 🙂
When I see people like John, I like to imagine what their life as a child was like and how the business of living changed them. Thank you for your feedback! I cannot wait to read your post that is sitting in my Reader!
I enjoyed the way you put life to the photo, keep me flowing through the course of his life….
🙂
Like my father says: “Everybody’s got a story to tell.” I am glad that I could use my imagination and tell his.
“Mama called me shy, her worried boy” how touching to see how that worried boy had something to worry about…life happened. My you’re good! I feel like I’m in J-K and everyone is in High School:) but love the exercise.
You are so NOT in J-K sister! Keep those words flowing! And thank you for the compliment!! 🙂 🙂
Great job!
Many Thanks! 🙂
🙂
That’s a powerful piece of writing Sonel. A compelling story well told.
Thank you! I am assuming you meant Kim… 🙂
I’ve been getting your photo fixed up with someone else. How rude of me – so sorry. 🙂
No worries! It is easy to mix up two beautiful women!
This is beautiful ♥ Nice work!
Thank you! I have noticed that a common thread throughout the posts is the portrayal of John in a realistic (but not negative) light. It is so easy to assume from the photo that he brought his circumstances upon himself. As a society, we rush to judgement without even IMAGINING the reasons. Your prompt allowed this to happen for all of us. I have read some outstanding pieces as a result! XO 🙂
A beautiful poignant read. Almost too hard for me as I was talking with my dad recently about his experiences in Vietnam and it was hitting very close to home. But absolutely brilliantly, accurately, and vividly depicted. An extremely engaging read.
Thank you Maria. What a interesting coincidence regarding your conversation with your dad and the timing of the poem. I am sure that his pain lives within him to this day.
This is so sad. Beautifully written.
Thank you Colline. He is character that touched my heart.
Wow Kim – so much packed inside this poem – my heart bleeds for heroes like this who are just discarded after they have served their use.
Powerful lines;
Spend my days workin’ the soup line and waitin’ for the clinic to open up
Livin’ and dyin’ through the grace and mercy of the Lord
Thank you Neens. These men (and women now) are in my thoughts these days. Coming home broken, never the same. I think John can symbolize all of them to some degree.
I agree, and find it criminally heartless that governments all over the world leave these men and women who have fought for our freedom without the support they need after they have served for (Queen and) Country.
Absolutely love it!
I am thrilled that you like this one. I have received some heart felt responses to this piece.