Why?

Why must I keep on suffering this way?
Why does it come back day after day?
Why do I keep feeling such pain?
Why does it come back again and again?

I was happy to answer my countrys call,
Not knowing the price was so tall.
I did all that I was asked,
Never shirking from any task.

Such is the price for freedom I pay,
To never know another happy day.
Maybe I should just end it all,
I know the pollies would have a ball.

Another vet they dont have to pay,
Hoping the rest will also go away.
But I cant let my mates down,
So Ill just keep acting like a clown,

Even though I feel quite insane,
I know I must endure the pain.
To hell with the pollies, I wont let them win,
They are dead wrong if they think Ill give in.

How could I face my mates on the other side,
If after they hand me the torch, I let it slide?
So Ill keep fighting, enduring the pain,
And maybe one day Ill be happy again.

©Lee ONeill
19th August 2001