For I am an American Veteran

I am an American Veteran

I would prefer you did not stare

I don’t mind if you say “Thank you”

I might not have visible scars you can see

I might not be what you think of when you say

Military Veteran

I am quite sure I have earned the right

To call myself one

I can prove this if I must

All I ask is that you not assume it’s alright

To treat me like I am not

To share pics of me without my consent

To stare at me when I walk past

To ask me where I served

To ask me if I have killed someone

To treat me with the same respect

I give to you

For I am an American Veteran

And I would have given my life for you