Search Helium

Home > Creative Writing > Poetry

Poetry: Veterans

by H.G. Hess

Created on: April 27, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Johnny Jay
Got one arm
Sits in a wheel chair
Holding a sign in his lap
"Vietnam Vet: Just one penny to show you care."

Bitterness crumples
His tired, wrinkled face
Stained by years of drinking
To forget his camouflage days
He skin is burned from the brutal sun
His stump wrapped in army green
Dirty cutoff jeans
Blotches on his legs
"Just one penny to show you care."

He spends his days sitting in the hot sun
Below the overpass.
He doesn't beg or plead
He just waits for someone to roll their window down
Pulls out his cup and hopes for that clink
The quarters are nice, they get him coffee
The dollars are great to get some beer
But it's those pennies he waits on all day

Learn more about this author, H.G. Hess.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

120674

Featured Partner

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

LEAP has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse LEAP's featured titles, pick an issue and write! You can also donate your article earnings. Share what you know, learn new perspectives and don...more


CONNECT WITH US

Read
our blog
Helum for writers

Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills

Join our active writing community
Helium Content Source for Publishers

Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all

Get custom content today!

INFORMATION


Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA
#