navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » The Traveler's Tale #8
Open Poetry #45
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Traveler's Tale #8 Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Gunslinger
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901
TX, USA

0 posted 2009-06-21 10:10 PM



I am a Watcher, grim and dread-
I guard the bivouacs of the dead.
The warriors bold in death do slumber-
Unsung, alone, and without number.

I watched as Rome grew from the mud-
To span the mighty Tiber's flood...
When the known world by her was quelled
Until by Romans she was felled.

I saw the Legions march in rank-
Through desert sands, and jungles dank-
They bore their Eagles as they went,
To rest in some barbaric tent.

And Tamujin, and his great horde-
No peace to Europe did afford...
The Russian pogroms, warlike Huns-
But no respecter are the guns

And Normandy, how sweet the breath-
A morning laced with smell of death..
On Juno, Gold, and Utah beach-
The warriors died just out of reach.

Korea in the numbing cold-
Where overnight, the young grew old-
The fields were littered by the frozen
On the hills beside the Chosin.

Human waves, time after time-
Oh, how the birds of war did dine.
And as cold death did spread her pall-
I watched, untouched, above it all.

Vietnam, I rode there, too-
The fall of France at Dien Bien Phu.
America in her due time,
Sent her sons, too; into the slime.

The Watcher held a ringside seat,
As soldiers quickly turned to...MEAT.
I saw it all, to what avail?
That I might tell the Traveler's Tale. >



© Copyright 2009 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
Paul Wilson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711
United States
1 posted 2009-06-22 10:46 AM


John...Very real story telling here. I can relate my friend.
Oh the tales we have told
Some from younger years
Some shared by others
A travlers tale must be told

Paul

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
2 posted 2009-06-23 07:37 AM


...reading your traveling words

M

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
3 posted 2009-06-24 05:12 AM


quote:
Human waves, time after time-
Oh, how the birds of war did dine.
And as cold death did spread her pall-
I watched, untouched, above it all.


A very chilling write, especially the above and below
quote
I saw it all, to what avail?
That I might tell the Traveler's Tale  

alphapendragon
Junior Member
since 2009-06-23
Posts 15
NY, USA
4 posted 2009-06-24 05:54 PM


Fire!
Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
5 posted 2009-06-28 10:16 PM


This one hits hard, John.  Your "Traveler's Tales" are keepers for sure.

A

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
6 posted 2009-06-29 12:58 PM


Keep watching and recording, John, for all who are now silent. KEEPER.
                               Ida

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » The Traveler's Tale #8

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary