"Faded Compassion"
By Chris Madsen
They say she has nine lives,
although I’ve counted thirteen.
A long dozen roses, minus their petals.
If her life were a field of clover
which she’d walk upon daily
only picking plants of three leaves.
She blames the white-tailed deer,
the grouse, the geese and the rabbits.
Never minding her own habits.
Familiar with his cloak and scythe,
for whom she’s met well more than twice.
Her eyes are saying, this time’ll be the last.
She couldn’t bear hear the humble bees,
nor the wind blown through the trees
as they often told her, ‘twas all your own.
Chris Madsen is a former Scout Sniper and US Army Veteran. Read more of his writing here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
VetRep is a finalist in the theater class for Hudson Valley Magazine’s “Best of Hudson Valley 2024”! The elimination ballot is live for the next round, so follow this link and vote for Veterans Repertory Theater!
Listen to our latest episode with Jean Ciampi on the Savage Wonder Podcast, where we interview incredibly talented musicians, artists, writers, and theater professionals, who also happen to be veterans.