I’ve thought about this a lot
The difficulty so many veterans face
When trying to adjust to mainstream living
Especially when you happen to be a woman

I’ve wondered why this is so
For though stresses of life are difficult
They aren’t always so dissimilar
When talking to those who
Have only experienced mainstream lives

I’ve pondered whether or not
It correlates to how one is treated
After military service
Not by those who have lived mainstream lives
But by those who continue to conform
To the formalized structures
And rigid ways of the military lifestyle
Within the veteran community

I’ve experienced the exclusionary nature of the veteran community
Been subjected to bullying within it’s ranks
When in truth we are all human
And don’t hold power and judgment over one another
As was the case while serving

I’ve been held captive within the web of red tape
That permeates the Veterans Administration
Been subjected to bullying within it’s ranks
When in truth my time in service
Should be as valuable as the next veteran
Regardless of my status or gender

I believe great care should ALSO be taken
When interacting with veterans
Who choose NOT to conform to a top down structure
Excluding so many of us from the comfort of each other
Military service is but one small part of the journey
And we are all equal in the eyes of God