A Good Neighbor Poem by Donal Mahoney

A Good Neighbor

Rating: 4.1


Cookies for George,
40 years back from Viet Nam,
are the only payment
the man will accept
to mow your lawn,
rake your leaves,
shovel your snow.

He sleeps behind
his brother's house
above the garage.
Every two weeks
he shaves and bathes.
His brother takes him
to the Veterans Hospital.

George has cancer again
40 years after Agent Orange.
But he'll mow your lawn,
rake your leaves
and shovel your snow
for nothing less than
cookies for George.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Rajnish Manga 30 April 2017

It is really poignant and emotional expression of a wretched situation in which a Vietnam war veteran finds himself now. Very thought provoking poem. Thanks.

0 0 Reply
Rosie Bourget 13 April 2017

A man who was not forced into military service, he has done so out of love and duty to the country. Nevertheless, he got nothing in return.

1 0 Reply
Raymond Farrell 04 June 2015

Stand up kinda guys sent off to that useless Vietnam war and had their lives ruined and now society just forgets about them.

1 0 Reply
Kyle Schlicher 11 February 2015

I love this. I've known a couple of guys like this; served my time with them.

2 0 Reply
John Shea 01 June 2014

Now I am old and evasive....so kiss my country bumpkin.

2 0 Reply
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