Tearful Eyes

As I watch my family trying to cope with me this way,

I hate that they must suffer day after day.

I see my daughters so very young in years,

So afraid of me, their eyes filled with tears.

They try to understand why I act this way,

They know that I love them; it’s just hard to say.

At times my memories ache like a newly opened sore,

Of a time I lived and died inside fighting an awful war.

My wife still loves me, I don’t see how,

For she has suffered more than God should allow.

Before I turned dark inside, I won her with my charms,

Now she cradles me at night in her loving arms.

To keep from hurting them I would rather die,

But all I do is to run away, perhaps I’ll even cry.

Through medicines and listening to what the doctors say,

I will find peace at heart and wish to live another day.

Michael D. Monfrooe

Fargo VA 4B

1330 10 May 1994