A Knock on the Door

by Diane Wasden

Prose


What a Beauty

by Jack Tompkins

Sketch


Jamie and Roxy

by Richard Wangard

Prose


"Eternity "

by Russell Nelson

Painting


Purple Heart

by John Swainston

Poem


An Affinity With Acronyms (OTUS and OTY)

by CJ Reeves

Poem


That Look

By David Marchant, Air Force

Writing Type: Poem

By David R. Marchant
VA Medical Center--Salt Lake City, UT

There it is,
that look in your eyes
distant
empty of emotion
the one
masking the memories
of a battlefield
far, far away.

I recognize it,
because I have seen it
before
staring back
at me in the mirror
absent of feeling
devoid of any hope
lost and alone.

I've been there,
sat in a similar chair
desperate
for answers
fighting alone
always looking back.
Then help was offered;
my journey began.

You'll need courage
to make this same journey,
determination
eyes forward
never looking back
willingness to trust.
Let me help you;
you're not alone.

                                                                                                                                                               

 

Notes: This poem was inspired by the look I see in many of the veterans in my practice. Especially after they come back from a deployment. It hits home to me every time because I know it far to well.

Sergeant Mackey

by Dwight Jenkins

Poem


This Road I Am On

by David Marchant

Poem


That Look

by David Marchant

Poem


Just for Today

by Michele Johnson

Poem


Courage

by Jason Bartley

Poem


Purple Heart

by John Swainston

Poem