Veterans

They are sitting
As a group along
An airport corridor
Backs against the wall
On the floor legs and feet
Stretching out into the aisle
Resting on their way to some
Deployment observing the civilian
Passengers glance at them but
Remain silent so I stop to ask
Them how they are which
Surprises them since so
Few civilians talk to
Them and they
Say they are
Headed
Out
Fresh
Uniformed
About to learn
Too many lessons
See too much but they
Are young and invincible
Here in the airport corridor
Smiling faces innocent so I tell
Them thank you for your service
To our country wish them all
Good luck wherever they
Are going and limp on
Down the corridor
As their eyes
Follow my
Artificial
Foot &
Leg
A little
Bit of get
Real their
NCOs note
Exchange a
Glance smile
Any help much
Appreciated
Knowing
Shit
Happens.