A Young Man's Limp

there is no need for
Private First Class to ever forget
that he was in a war in Iraq
shortly after he graduated from high school.

he’s not shocked! ! !

when so many ask him about his “limp”
that many expect would “belong” to an old man.

his memory comes with a purple heart
for his military service in 2003.

part of his leg is missing
and he’s not yet twenty-three years old

which never horrifies Private First Class
as much as…
missing the opportunity to serve his country

which he did not…

when duty called.