Archive Poetry
Very often, veterans choose to write poems. More important to many than the writing itself is the chance to share their feelings with other veterans, encouraging them to reconsider their dark thoughts or actions. A vet writes, “Let me help you, you are not alone.” In writing poetry, veterans may evoke hopes and fears they have never declared before or to anyone. One vet writes, “We are left to care for each other.” This sharing is a way of unburdening emotions that have haunted them for decades.
Veterans explore subjects they care deeply about such as the flag, family, freedom, spouses and sweethearts, nature and religion. But what counts most isn’t subjects. It’s the veterans themselves and how their poetry plays a healing role. It helps veterans thrive, cope, and, of upmost significance, push away darkest thoughts.
Be part of helping Veterans’ Voices build an archive of veterans’ poems we have collected since the magazine began publishing in 1952. Your subscription and donations will help preserve the best veteran poetry for all time.
