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I am a Veteran, and I am? (poem)

By Ben Meyer

I am a veteran— a United States Marine…
And I am a convicted felon.
I am a patriot… and I am an outlaw.
I am an honored son… I am a social pariah.
Filled with pride… filled with shame.
Celebrated… reviled.
Held in esteem… held in a cell.

— Ben Meyer

Ben Meyer is a Marine Corps veteran imprisoned in Illinois. He was an active member of the Stateville Veteran Group until he was transferred in the lead up to the closing of prison this year.