Everyman…by Joseph Wagoner…a big round of applause!!!

A short time ago, my friend Joe Wagoner was awarded the Editor’s Choice Award for 2007 by Poetry.com. I am publishing the poem here (with permission) since the display page for Joe’s piece is currently broken. A big round of congratulations for Joe and his award!!!

Everyman

Everyman.
He serves his countrymen fearlessly.
He sends his teacher a card on Christmas.
His truck is American-made and polished to a gleam.
He plays video games with his brother.
He jumps rope with his sister.
He is the American Everyman.
Everyman.
His body was recovered a week later.
He and seven others held that bridge fearlessly.
He and seven others did not quiver nor falter when the ambush came.
He was leaking lymphatic fluid through a dull crimson bullet wound in His side; the final wound of Christ.
On March 30th, 2003, three weeks before our sins were forgiven, Lance Corporal Nixon was moved to the KIA list, live on CNN. He was indeed the American Everyman.