PUNK POETRY: Don't thank me for my service by Matthew Borczon

Thank my brother

who told my

mom that

even though

he is different

now we have

to learn to

love him

this way

thank my friend

who left

a book

about recognizing

the signs

of PTSD on

the dashboard

of my car

thank my daughter

who when I

ask what she

remembers about

the time I

was in Afghanistan

says I only

remember how

much I missed you

thank my wife

who stayed

even when

I tried to

drive her away

when I tried to

set fire to

anyone who

wanted to

say they

understand

thank everyone

thank anyone

but me thank

all the people

who lived through

this long march

I am still making

all the way back

to a place

I still can’t

call home.

--Matthew Borczon