Leftovers Poem by John Kinard

Gone from here for just 8 years, gone for time that made her cry.
Gone for time I missed my Dad, gone for things that made me lie.
I made it though my CO's wrath, I moved through bloody, metal mud.
I saw blistered babies in Iraq, I saw my friend be a dad as should..
My brothers for whom I'd die any day, My brothers drove Highway 1.
My brothers cleared IED's, My brothers will never know who won.
It rolled around some 96 months, they had me sitting in first class seats.
It brought me to my old home, it showed me the door where family meets.
I worry about my brothers who are gone, I worry about families who met no one.
I worry about brothers now watching Taliban, I worry to know that they feel alone..
Can I make good?Can I move on?
Can I find love?Can I have a son?
I'd used up the loves of my life, I'd used up the welcomes home.
I'd used up my care for many,I'd used up the days to come.
Only a few will reach for me, Only Dad can see "the stare" in me.
Only the hands my Lord gave me, Only I will dream of good to be.