Memorial Day: Gay Son

My son didn't die for his country.

Fear and shame,
those terrorists of the mind that know no pity,
over time
carried him to self-destruction.

His war was never declared;
he had no friends
with whom to buddy in the trenches.

No parades, no salutes, no medals;
yet he fought as all soldiers fight:
for pride and family.

He finally gave up and was killed,
not by bombs or shells,
but fatigue
and complete loss of will.

He surely died.
But, sure as hell, this wasn't his country.