Second Amendment
By T. Delaplain
Hope had dimmed somewhat since the government had evolved, but still the patriot rose from his bundle of cast off blankets, coughed out the night’s polluted air and kissed his wife’s fading photo in the broken frame.
She hadn’t survived the move from the nursing home, the aid had efficiently been taken away.
He shook out his only clothes and splashed his scruffy face with the last of the clean water. He hung his tattered stars and stripes and confirmed that his rusted and empty revolver lay buried under his shopping cart.
He hoped the church would have coffee today.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Feel like writing about the daily chaos with Friday Fictioneers? Our host Rochelle Wisoff will give you 100 words to write your story or in my case, a protest.
Only caring about your own rights is exactly how you lose them.
Tracey Delaplain, MD 
I like that he’s a patriot – means something different to different people, doesn’t it? I hope the government doesn’t ‘evolve’ any further. It’s advanced enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The current evolution of the U.S. government is misguided and dangerous in my opinion.
Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Of course the church has coffee. He has a gun
LikeLiked by 1 person
The gun he protected at the risk of everything else is no longer useful when he can’t breathe the air or drink the water, and he’s alone and homeless.
LikeLike
I imagine a veteran who as the years went by, was increasingly abandoned by the government he once served. Now he’s lost everything and even his firearm is empty and without ammo. Poor guy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes sense. We are seeing it happen with the government efficiency measures. Vets aren’t being protected.
LikeLike
Having a son who is a Marine veteran and has disabilities, I can tell you that’s been true for a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful and memorable details of a modern day tragedy. I’d like to say more but I’ll stop at good job, Tracey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s a story of our times. how sad. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sad reality for some. Great story, Tracey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
You paid a picture of despair and fellow human neglect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
paint with words
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tracey,
I’ve been told that a good title adds a hundred words to a flash fiction. Evocative and well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for understanding and for your comments. Tracey
LikeLike
So sad. You painted the picture of despair very well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A touching tale indeed. He deserves more than just a cup of coffee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably so but he won’t get it from the new U.S. government.
LikeLike
A story for all time. Our veterans have been invisible and/or mistreated since Vietnam, if not longer. Sadly, it is not a new situation. It is a disgusting truth that has been perpetuated for decades. The hopelessness of your story, Tracey, is palpable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So reflective of the current times – very well conceived and penned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking at the deterioration of a nation from the outside is painful and infuriating. This is so well told. The example with his wife having lost care is heartbreaking and far too real for many, I’m afraid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the things some people take for granted because they don’t think it could ever affect them… like clean air and water, Medicaid, housing assistance, veterans benefits. Thank you for commenting and understanding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gritty and so darned realistic. Well done. A terrible time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every day it’s more chaotic and lawless.
LikeLike
I think in some ways our government reflects the “all about me” attitude that seems so prevalent in our country. A well-written and timely piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for reading and dropping a note. Tracey
LikeLike
Such a sad state of affairs. I cannot believe it is coming to this. Well done.
LikeLike
Hello, I liked your story and could feel the hardship. I almost felt a bit of the grapes of wrath hardship in there.
And on a side note, I think many people are misunderstanding what the current government is trying to do – part of this is fueled by news propaganda and people who just do not know what needs to be done. But the truth is that the Unites States was in serious debt (still is) and had unaudited spending and i do not care which party it was that cleaned up – but it was time (is time) and it is my hope and prayer that people start tp see more of the way the United States was in serious trouble and it was overlooked and too many folks were complementing the Emperor’s clothes when he was not wearing any.
LikeLike