Let Things Go

Let Things Go

There may be something running

deeper than the gene pool.

I considered wading in to learn

but didn’t want to be a fool.

Each of us has a different type system

For handling a source of pain

And leaving a bad memory’s prison.

We have nothing to lose, much to gain.

Some cannot leave it behind,

And swim there again and again.

Some stay while others make brief visits.

Memory draws the moth to the flame.

Mouth drawn tight, some resist it.

We search for courage to let things go.

Life, war and peace, honor and dishonor,

There are things which trap a mind.

It is true misery loves company

But misery should not be a goal, an end.

I have been guilty of seeking it.

I tell myself to close the cellar door.

My mind becomes an enemy, not a friend.

A meeting of Nam vets has its time of pain.

We all remember the rejection

That became almost a daily life thing.

The old embers of anger are always present.

We feed and then cry on each other.

People cannot understand our resentment.

Some ask why and it is a question.

It has always been easy to recall the neglect.

Not much is worse than being a reject.

It is difficult to hear you are a loser.

The lies about us and our effort were abusive.

We lost a war without losing a battle.

Some of veterans read those headlines,

Became what they called us, sadly.

We have gatherings of eagles and dogs of war.

Most have the anger in their core.

The difference is whether we control it or it us.

Those who lost the battle need support.

The only comfort they get is in unity.

We go there with them because it has to be.

Everyone wants someone to understand.

My life has been forged by the experience.

Many had their lives defined by it.

I cannot cut myself out of their existence.

I identify with it, yes, I too resent it.

I know they need to let it go.

I know I do too; it would be easier

 If some in America were not trying it again.

A friend who cares about me, and also them,

Prays for us all; she served herself.

Her heritage could be worn like an albatross.

She tells me to not forget it,

But deal with it and let things go.

Angst and anger eat the heart of the hater.

She says turn it over to God in prayer.  

Mike Mullins, 1/28/08