THE VETERAN by Carole MacRury
copyright © 2001

Ludlow Press Poetry

The Veteran




Walking with shortened steps
he carries his bones with care,
fingers flexing air; his lips
a rictus of concentration.

A fossil gripping fists of rain,
sounding off his aches and pains
he counts cadence; marches
to his last bastion, "The Legion"

and his regimental bottle of ale.
In control, he sips through palsied lips,
then eases to his feet, fortified
for the trip back home.

An old soldier trying to sustain
home rule, he goes AWOL
each afternoon, as nurses turn
their backs in silent salute.












Carole MacRury lives on a small peninsula in Washington. Her pastimes include reading poetry and short fiction to seniors in care homes and acting as moderator at Wild Poetry. Most recent publications can be found at Mentress Moon, Dragonfly Review and Stirring. "Moody"previously appeared online in Harvest-Art.com. "The Veteran" received Honorable Mention at the IBPC Contest.
Email: janis@thelotuspond.com

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