You're nobody's hero.
Sitting in the dark, tears you'd long ago declared yourself incapable of shedding streaming down your face, crying for all the times you didn't cry at all. Crying for your life.

You were to them what you never were to yourself. A hero who couldn't save his own soul. A mere stretching of your lips and they assumed all was well. A clown is what you've always been; hiding behind a painted face and exaggerated emotions. The crowd laughing and clapping, captivated by your performance.

They do not know of the times you'd wish for death. Empty whiskey bottles littered all around. One glass at night to keep the demons away became two, then three until it seemed your demons wouldn't let you alone.

Soon elsewhere, the sun will rise. For them it will be day. For you, forever night.

A small pistol held with a trembling hand.
In the light of day, they'll finally see that their hero was no hero at all. He was just another man. A weak man, with an injured soul.

You share an elegance as you pen these silenced revelries.

Beautiful Writing!!!

Thank you

I truly enjoyed this poem. Really nice write

Thank you.

SUPERB!

Saddly, the fate of many veterans......

As a "writer", I try to put into words what I see in my mind's eye. If I could paint, I'd paint you a picture but I can't, so I write and hope that you see what I see... Thank you for seeing it too.

I am not a writer, but I do try to put "picture" to written word.

I have posted one just a while ago if you would care to peruse it for comment.

Ode to homeless Vets.....

Excellent write.....

Thank you :)