14 years dying in my heart

catharsis, welcoming home a wounded soldier,

We talked the day before.

the police arrested him,

they called his father.

"dude your dad is going to kill you"

The crime was forgivable.

he was a thief and not very good.

There was something in his voice

a crazy, nervousness. 

I should have known

something more was wrong.

A good beating,

We both knew he had one coming

but he would survive.

"Dude your dad is going to kill you"

was the last thing I said

before I said good bye.

"I know", he said like he literally believed it.

 I'd see him after a long grounding.

That night, I got so high, drink and smoke

good times with friends.

"Hey, your dad called" someone said

"you need to go home right now.".

I't was the next day sometime in the afternoon

or maybe not i can't remember.

I was feeling good, buzzed and happy

joyful, in away I've never felt again.

I walked up my driveway

and onto the porch,

my dad came out to meet me.

he is a hard man ,tough like stone

I'd never seen him so soft

It was strange.

 I knew something was wrong 

but in that moment it was nice 

to see his heart.

I really appreciate him for 

showing me that warmness

 in that moment, a special vulnerability.

he spoke "..."

I died, collapsed onto the ground. 

I cried, I'm still crying

I've let the crying go on 

for 14 years.

I have new work 

for the wounded.

Come out crying boy,

you've served me well.

I no longer need your tears,

the war is over.

I need your help 

to be a better father

to be a better man

to be fully human

your new roll is of joy

and for your service, 

you I do honor.

welcome home 

wounded warrior