The Oldest of Nine

The oldest of nine...the class of '64

An abusive mother

A father who looked the other way

A tall skinny kid who wet the bed

A priest who went too far

Not very good in sports but did participate and tried
hard...prayed and cried at night to be better

A shy loner who sought "love" and happiness and
caring and acceptance and friendship

Fell hard for every girl and hurt when it when it was
over...cared much for those that wouldn't give him
even a second

Volunteered for the Army

Volunteered for Vietnam

Volunteered for an infantry advisor assignment...put
his life in danger and received significant medals
for valor...to please his father and to be someone
people looked up at

But no one did...no one seemed to care...no one even
noticed his medals...his pain...his anguish

Two wonderful kids from his first marriage but still
looked for "love" in the wrong places

Another marriage that has lasted but still looks for
real happiness

What is happiness?

When will the hurting end?

© 8/15/2005 Charles Schwiderski