My brother, my friend. We need you, Soldier. alive and well

I met a man waiting for death.

de                              My brother, my friend. We need you, Soldier. Alive and well.

I'm working. A young man walking very slowly with a cane was coming toward me. I went to him and asked him, did he need a cart? He told me no and he told me. Doctors told me. I won't walk again. I will walk.  I apology and told him. Most folks don't need the carts to get around. He smiled and he told me I understand. I must walk. Make me feel human again. I was wounded in the war. I cannot die yet.

I told him. I was a Soldier once. A honor to meet you. I told him my name was John. He gave me his hand and he told me. My name is Chris. A Marine. I asked him was he okay? He smiled. Bad heart, four bullets to back and I'm surviving. I asked him. Is the VA helping him? He told me they want to replace body parts and I told them no. I'm single and I have no-one. Need to help men with families. I can't be saved anyway. I have accepted my death.

I told him. You deserved everything they can give you. You served your government with honor. He smiled and he told me. My dad told me the same. Brother soldier, I volunteered and I have accepted my fate. I went to war freely. I was wounded in a roll-over. He told me with a great smile. I shot the 50 cal and saved my three friends. Damn truck roll-over and I was left for dead. My friends pulled me out. I'm okay. Men die in life and in war. Some of us die slower.

I took his hand and I told him. My brother, my friend. We need you, Soldier. Alive and well. He looked me in the eyes and he told me. Thank you John. I will consider your words. I'm tire. A lot of pain. Sometime death is peace my friend.

I watched him slowly walk away. He walked away like a man should. On two feet. He served his country. I pray his country return the favor. 

                                    Coyote/John Castellenas

Author's Note

True experience.

Reviews

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Yes, I hope your country is thankful for serving it. I guess, being here in Belgium, not aware of the war in some countries gives us a false feeling of safety. The last days, with the terrorist attacks in France, war is brought to our backyards. I think we have to admire and respect those men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe. I understand this now a bit more. Very well done, John. :) Rudi

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Rudi. I was a Soldier for 15 years. Men who volunteered for war. They accept their ending.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Deep respect. :) Rudi

[MsJewel]

There are so many out there like Chris, more than I believe we realize. As the daughter of an Army surgeon, I was brought up to know these men are heros and should be treated with dignity and respect. Your story touched my heart John.

:) Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Julie. I was lucky to be able to talk with him. It was 11 pm and we talked. I believe he needed a ear. He told me more. This is a another story.

[ANTO]

Theres a lot to take in here Coyote - I am shocked at the treatment he has received and admire him greatly for having the conviction to fight for his country and to still put others (with families) before himself. Its a sobering write on the soldier and your writing of it speaks volumes about you too.

[Coyote Poetry]

Soldiers have a lot of time to think. He thought-out his situation. I believe he was in great pain. Sometime death is peace. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Gee]

It's humbling to read and even more so when you get to meet those that return scarred,maimed,whilst serving.You've got far bigger balls than I have and I take my hat off to you and All those that choose to serve their country.I have a poem called,"A last embrace"which might interest you.Take care.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for reading and the comment. I will your poem now.

[Gee]

You're welcome

[Tania]

Beautiful writing! A very moving story

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you. Real life can be moving.

[Vanesa Markovic]

The devastation of wars is seemingly unending.
It takes brave men and women to fight, but how I
wish they didn't have to. Beautiful story about a beautiful spirit.
-VM

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. When a Nation don't take of their soldiers. It is a very large sin. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Matching Socks]

That's a very moving story John.
This man has such a strong and selfless character.
So rare among people.

[Coyote Poetry]

He did and I hope he accept help. We don't know the pain someone he is in. I pray for days when we don't send our young and strong men to war. Thank you Ana for reading and the comment.

[Matching Socks]

I hope that day will come.

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too. For the sake of the children.