by Donald McCasland, LMSW-CCTP
Soldiers, sharp like knives
Eager instruments of war
We wait in our sheath
Lives end, in a flash
Stench of burned rubber, flesh, blood
Cleaned truck, tarnished soul
I lived, others died
Dark clouds in my head and heart
Love and joy obscured
Return- lost… alone
Home in body, not spirit
Dark… Light. Death… Rebirth!
Warrior Elder
Walks on paths with those who strive
To claim honor earned
Brothers and Sisters
Join the battle for their souls
We emerge victorious
Donald McCasland
Donald McCasland
Donald McCasland, LMSW-CCTP, is a retired U.S. Army veteran of three tours in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division who now works with fellow veterans who struggle with trauma as he once did.