The Tattered Old Jacket

An old army jacket so tattered and torn,
His most prized possession was thoroughly worn.
He said every time I put it on it takes me back to better days,
Where we tried to bring freedom to a land so far away.

He said it was a time our country was changing, trying to bring equality to all men,
A time of racial hatred I thought would never end.
A time to break down barriers and extend a friendly hand,
A time to right wrongs in such a glorious land.

I asked had you served in Nam, he said yes, I pulled two whole tours,
He said after the first tour I came home but it was too much for me to endure.
He said I got tired of getting spit on so I went back where I belonged,
Back to others like me who also had been wronged.

It left me with disabilities that kept me from steady work,
I lost my wife and family, they were ashamed of my twitch and nervous jerk.
He said they've got me on medication, but it doesn't help that much,
He said friend do you know how long it's been since I've felt a gentle touch.

We both started tearing up as I hugged him oh so tight,
I said what can I do to help you, he said that's okay I'll be alright.
He said I'll just be glad when it's all over and the Lord comes for me,
Then I can remove this old jacket for God will set me free.