Rick Harrienger, currently a Schenectady resident, began writing poetry as a way to ‘purge the demons of war’ but continued, at the persistence of a muse to include his recovery from the results of “better living thru chemistry ” and an indefatigable love of nature. With the exception of obscure publications, he is content to pursue what his Skidmore professor, Larry Peterson helped develop, which combines his photography, stained glass, and poetry, which is closest to what is known as photo journalism.
A Warrior’s Psalm From Viet Nam
Take hold weary warrior,
we, who sense your doubt
take hold for your recovery
is what our’s about.
I know well the horror of War
the truth of that been said
an empty consolation
if spoken to the dead.
I can only promise you
your must stay alive
to realize the purpose
of soldiers who survive.
Yes, we’re all expendable
a maddening hopeless fate.
To give up tho a greater sin
to self-capitulate.
We warriors know the dues of war;
a burden quite enough.
We need you now to hear this cry
“Of death I’ve had enough!”
The burden of your private hell
is only painful now
a psychic exorcism
a purging you must allow.
It doesn’t mean you’re going mad
and here’s the litmus test :
The wicked never know your pain
so troop, give it a rest.
The challenge now to stay alive
keep that first! Protected
and day by day to face the ways
we all have been affected.
The newness of the pain you feel
the anguish of your soul
as broken as you might feel now
you’ll once again be whole.
I don’t suggest the sorrow and
the sadness won’t return
but the crippling desperation
we’ll teach you to discern.
The passion you young warriors feel
has you doubt your worth
you’ve already died a thousand deaths
it’s time now for rebirth.
