Because the veterans are waiting
their names on a list at V A hospitals.
Because we don’t know the stories
of the men and women who return from war.
Because we do not ask, do not visit
do not reach out.
Because the truth is illusive
and we stumble with language.
Because care is delayed
records falsified.
Because appointments are canceled
calls not returned.
Because when names fall from the wait list
someone receives a bonus.
Janet Leahy writes poetry in New Berlin, Wisconsin. A member of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, she has two collections of poetry, The Storm, Poems of War, Iraq and Not My Mother’s Classroom.