War Hero

War Hero

great-grandpa's
a veteran 
and a war
hero

great-grandpa
returned
from the war
a hero
and still
raised a family
ran a business
and nursed
his ailing wife
through her death

great-grandpa
talks
with an electrolarynx
having lost
his voice box
from all his years
of smoking

when his great-granddaughter
got the chance
to go
on a school trip
to d.c.
without her asking
without her begging
her great-grandpa
paid
for it all

great-grandpa
paid
cause he wanted to
even though
he's a veteran
and war hero
who deserves a lot
from the family
and country

great-grandpa's
a hero
deserving
respect
attention
and sympathy
for all of his services
sacrifices
and dedications
to his country
and family

great-grandpa
receives cards
and meals
on father's
veteran's
and memorial
days

great-grandpa
gets a spot
on a float
in the parades
on the 4th of july
memorial
and veteran's days

great-grandpa
since losing his wife
devotes his time
to causes
benefiting
other vets

great-grandpa
deserves
more than most
yet
he still
returns
more than he needs to
which may be
his greatest
act
of heroism
in the sacrifice
of his ego