Black Veteran

I was told to stand tall represent and fight Stripped down and rebuilt ready to set things right Now shadows flicker faces haunt my night Voices whisper a silent plight Who am I that black veteran you forget Promised much like acres and a mule yet Here we stand honor lost not just yet Give what's due in this life-long duel Told to bear the pain embrace the strain Seeking help brings shame like a permanent stain But my courage won't wane through the night I reign In every heartbeat echoes of my refrain Who am I that black veteran you forget Promised much like acres and a mule yet Here we stand honor lost not just yet Give what's due in this life-long duel Once saluted revered a patriot true Now misplaced forgotten faded hues Yet still I rise in the dawn's early light Battling more than foes fighting for what's right Who am I that black veteran you forget Promised much like acres and a mule yet Here we stand honor lost not just yet Give what's due in this life-long duel Here we go again history's cruel jest Promises like ghosts east to west But I stand firm won't be laid to rest Until the dues are paid this is my quest Who am I that black veteran you forget Promised much like acres and a mule yet Here we stand honor lost not just yet Give what's due in this life-long duel