Ode to 7 Vietnam Vets
This story is about 7 African American Vietnam Veterans who met in their senior years at a local veteran center; and their counselor, Angela, helped them grasp the commonalities of their shared experiences.
From New York, Virginia, and Philly they came,
Fighting a war, shrouded in shame.
Seven young men in the prime of their life,
When they got home ’twas struggle and strife.
Their minds took them back to what they had seen,
Where was the help? Someone, please intervene.
They struggled for years, oh what could it be?
They finally learned about PTSD.
Angela heard calling again and again,
She formed their group, and the healing began.
They met regularly until COVID grew wild,
The Internet provided an alternate style.
Angela retired, oh that cannot be!
Still, they traveled to pow-wow, the farm, and DC.
They strengthen each other, so real so free,
They thought it impossible with PTSD.
Memories they shared were troubling it seems,
They were Five Soldiers and two Marines.
Five soldiers and two marines,
Different backgrounds, they learned to share.
Facing life’s challenges; an unbeatable team.
They became brothers because they cared.
