For Veterans Of A Recent War Poem by L MILTON HANKINS

Raise high the chalice for the saddened heart
At the banquet for the king's coronation;
Sing the ballads of valiant warriors to depart.

They who have returned to guard the rampart.
Salute their bold stance for God and nation;
Raise high the chalice for the saddened heart

More than heroes, our wounded, they fought,
Who returned from battle to condemnation,
Sing the ballads of valiant warriors to depart.

Some never returned from the jungles afar;
Some came home with PTSD, a rabid fixation.
Raise high the chalice for the saddened heart

No parades, no welcoming home to restart
Their new life from inappropriate obligation.
Sing the ballads of valiant warriors to depart

May from families never again be worlds apart,
Never again need be silent cries of oblation.
Raise high the chalice for the saddened heart
Sing the ballads of valiant warriors to depart.