As a veteran, my feelings about Memorial Day are complicated. The sacrifices our armed forces make are very often overlooked and the cost of freedom is taken for granted.

Love, forever.

You read my wordsAnd you are  disturbed,Because I share my pain,My darkness,My emptiness,And I wonder,Sometimes aloud,If anyone hears me.But I know now that you do,It is reflected in your fear,In your concern,But do not be afraid,I will not hurt myself.I do not wishFor an easy escape from my pain,My anguish,My…

I unpacked a lot today She said As we talked I talked Words Joy Anger Disappointment Betrayal Brother, why weren’t you there for me She died alone Then tears My mother’s death Still fresh An open wound But the tears speak Of more Yet to be confronted Childhood Yet to…

Noise envelopes meIt is my constant companionMechanicalElectronicHumanAnimalAll mount against meTo assault my consciousnessAnd drown outThe voices in my headAnd it is only in the nightIn that sacred momentBefore I am anesthetized by sleepThat the voices break through in a dull roar of silenceAnd words fill my mindIn an impotent attemptTo…

I’ve never cared for coffee,And I don’t really feel like a beer,But, since you’re asking,I think I’ll have tea with my tears.©2022 Kevin Fraleigh

People be talking about youIn whispers behind your backAbout your health and fitnessAfter a heart attack.©2022 Kevin Fraleigh

Today we buriedA friend I never knewI can’t tell you much about himExcept that his son loved himAnd that is enough for meFor if a man diesBut still lives in the loveOf his family and friendsThen while he is lost to the worldHe will forever remainIn the life of all…

It used to beThat getting oldWas getting oldNow being oldIs getting oldBut what the hellI bought the ticketI might as wellStay to see the show ©2021 Kevin Fraleigh

RetirementThen the heart attackI thought I would beThe center of your universeCaring for meBut nowYou don’t feel wellAnd I must care for youAgainMy lifeOur livesPut asideBy the weakness ofFleshAnd mindOnce againFate stealsOur destinies ©2021 Kevin Fraleigh