"ON THE LONG ROAD"

A Veteran’s Lament

In the beginning, the pride and excitement

Then he questioned why he was sent.

In hope of personal discovery

On the long road to recovery

He cried the Veteran’s Lament!

For thirty long years they were hidden

Memories believed to be ridden.

In the prime of his life

And in considerable strife

He realized he was ‘just kiddin’!

"You’ve got PTSD son!"

"Am I the only one?"

He asked as his eyes filled with tears.

I’ve been on a long run, it’s not much fun

In pursuit of relief for my fears!

I’ve got substance abuse

I feel of no use

I act like a goose

Should I be let loose

While I’m on the juice?!

I’ve got no respect

And so I expect

That I’m treated by others with disdain.

Can I elect, as a reject

To drag myself out of the drain?!

With pain in my heart

Where do I start

To see the big picture full view?

My life is a mess, but I guess

I could place it under review!

One now hopes, here at Greenslopes

With the help of dedicated staff

I can climb the high slopes

Tread the long road, carry the load

And sort out the hay from the chaff!

The challenge is now

To make a vow

That the triggers and cues of the past

That have led to my pain, I can restrain

And regain my values at last!

In pursuit of my dreams

To me it seems

I’ll be confronted by lack of control.

These lapses and cravings, the effect on my savings

Could leave me six feet in a hole!

With resolve I will fight

As I lay awake in fright

Of the cost to my family and friends

Of this insidious disease, captured with ease

On this long road, how many bends?!

And so I go forth

In search of my worth

On this long road so very bent

With the support of my wife, I’ll regain my life

And no longer cry my lament!!!

Author - Squadron Leader Kevin L. Paterson
Royal Australian Air Force (Retired) 22 September 1999

PRESENTED TO THE DEDICATED STAFF OF "THE KEITH PAYNE UNIT’, GREENSLOPES PRIVATE HOSPITAL BY THE MEMBERS OF No 33 PTSD COHORT GROUP (30 AUGUST - 24 SEPTEMBER 1999) IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION OF YOUR COMPASSION AND CARE.

KEVIN PATERSON    JOCK KINDER    GRAEME SMITH

PETER BARTER    KERRY DICKSON