A VETERAN’S QUESTION
Lawrence J. Hill, USN (1966-1970)
WOVC Medical Officer, July 12, 2001
Alas, I finally made it home
Yet still why do I feel alone?
My country that I proudly served
Now looks at me and is perturbed
I have no other place to go
A chance my talents there to show
To try once again to be a part
Of the nation that still thrills my heart
I wish to join the world again
A home, a job, and have a friend
But all I see are diverted eyes
And my mind keeps asking all these “WHY’S”?
I served my time and I am proud
Yet no one speaks to me aloud
This land I served is in my heart
Yet still won’t let me be a part
I know I will and I know I can
Just let me be a man again
I believe in me, what I can be
I need the chance to make YOU see
I want my life, I want it back
Clean clothes, a bath, a room I lack
I will survive from day to day
My service taught me that’s the way
I ask not much but a chance to live
A chance to show what I can give
I am a Vet, I served my time
But what this is, is but a crime
So here I sleep beneath a tree
With all I own right next to me
Tomorrow’s just another day
I’ll deal with it, and come what may
But just a chance is all I ask
I’ll stand and work and do the task
I know I will, I know I can
Give me the chance to be that man.
