Erren Gerraud Kelly’s most recent poem to appear here was “94 Bus, Sunland, Los Angeles” (April 2017)

The Long Goodbye
By Erren Gerraud Kelly

the old soldier
holds his rifle, though it doesn’t
exist anymore
at night, his thousand yard stare
pierces toward heaven
as he slowly walks toward
his long goodbye

mama’s whippings toughened him
for ‘nam
he became the warrior
he didn’t want to be

his smile disarmed anyone
like a word or a handshake
years ago, he started saying his
long goodbye

he was there, but not all there
he wished he could drive his
sports car again or hold
a girl, as a motown tune wails
wished she could share a long
goodbye

he takes one look at the horizon, he
gave his all for god and country
he was the savior, they didn’t deserve
but it was his home, too
a gleam still lingers in his eyes
as he takes each step towards
a long goodbye