303 Senior Poem, Second Place Isabella Widjojo, Branch #263 - Coquitlam The Weight That I Carry They celebrate my bravery When what I wanted most was to tear down these walls Then set fire to the ashes Till all that was left was the empty nothingness That's reflected deep inside. For these memories taunt me In the form of jagged hands And blank canvases That paint my mind Flashes of scarlet red. Flashback: there he is Nineteen and bare-faced Frail legs, pale skin, and a war weapon in hand Enemy, Bang. Flashback: there they are Broad-chested and golden Guns firing, hands quivering, and eyes sodden with grief Enemy, Bang. Flashback: bang, bang, bang Gunshots ringing loud, then a symphony of screams, That accompany these red hands, As they celebrate my bravery (sins) Call me a Hero (monster) Forget that I, too, have killed (saved) And that words don't define people. So I remember that I am more than a hero, villain, or soldier I am you: a father, son, and husband Who has sacrificed everything for this country. And "lest we forget" that the price of your safety Is now the weight that I carry.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==