"War"

by Justin Thomas Eggen

Behind these watery eyes is a story...
Not for me to tell or for you to read.
Instead, a story for you to feel and breathe.
A story that's full of life and that dies in the end.
A story that has no certain path with the harshest of friends.
A story that's been secure then re-worded.
A story that's been wicked and rewarded.
There is no happy ending or pious beginnings, 
Only muddy wastelands filled with painted 
portaits of killings,
Hanging on the walls of the mind.
War has consumed our time,
Romanticizing battle as a child....
Only to find it lackluster.
Days now spent in exile
Familiarizing myself with bottles and projectiles.

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Justin Eggen is a father, 2X national award-winning poet, motivational speaker, combat veteran, and Graduate Student at Florida Atlantic University. Justin Eggen is also the President of the ‘Veteran Owls’, the FAU Veteran Organization, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from FAU. He served active duty Marine Corps from 2008-2012 as a combat engineer attached to 2nd CEB, 2nd MARDIV serving in Marjah 2010 & Sangin 2011. He also the President of Stand To: Change The Narrative Inc., a literacy-focused nonprofit organization that is challenging the common narrative while clearing a new path for positive and educational community growth.

Books by Justin Eggen

Stand To: Change the Narrative

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