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Open Poetry #46
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A Small Salute
| Open Poetry #46 |
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A Small Salute |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The unemployment line was long and stretched in front of him. He had been out of work a while and things were getting grim. Perhaps today he'd luck out, even temporarily And there would be some job to help him ease his poverty. For many days and even months he'd come with that same hope Refusing to concede that he was running out of rope But each day brought the same results that left him feeling low And, deep inside, he didn't know how far he had to go. It wasn't that he didn't want to work, no, not a bit. Big jobs, small jobs, any job and he was up for it But every day he stood in line to hear the desk clerk say, In tones that were dispassionate, "No, sorry. Not today." Although he'd always been a good, hard-working man since birth Employers saw him as a man who had outlived his worth. His graying hair and wrinkles showed the aging of his skin. He still limped from the bullet wound that happened at Long Dinh. Appearances can be misleading for the way we were. There was a time that soldiers stood up straight and called him Sir But those were days so long ago that fade from memory. Now he was just an unemployed soul, fighting poverty. He walked out to November chill that froze him to the core. Tomorrow he'd be back again to try his luck once more. His ears picked up some music playing with a festive beat And saw a Veteran's Day parade now coming down the street. Well, there were floats and marching bands and big balloons there, too. Old Glory in her glory fluttered down the avenue. The fellow stood there, straight and proud, as it went passing by Recalling days of when he watched his brothers fight and die. A young boy sat upon a float as it went slowly by And, in one small, brief instant, gaze met with the soldier's eye. He raised his small hand in salute and there, in midday sun The soldier smiled and did the same. The boy and man were one. |
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| © Copyright 2010 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
I salute you and yours, with respect on this Veterans Day. Best wishes to you Sir Balladeer. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
...and I thank you, Sir Andrew.  |
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JerryPat Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991Louisiana/America |
Absolutely the old man and boy were one. This is a captivating and soulful rendition of a sad time in America, and I assume other countries; the ignorance that if you show a bit of age that you are worthless. Unfortunately I don't see that trend to be changing anytime soon. Excellent portrayal of a man past his prime in the worlds eyes. . . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Jerry. Yes, a man past his prime but also a man who served and fought for his country when called upon, who put his life on the line for the good of his country, who now is looked down upon by the same people he fought to save. The boy and man were one because the boy may very well be that man one day....and the cycle of life goes on. Thank you for reading, friend. |
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Eusta B. Mae Senior Member
since 2010-05-03
Posts 903 |
'Deer. You covered so much in this poem...it is so tragic and true...thank you for capturing that. ebm |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
...and then there were the women who served, as well...and find themselves in some same circumstances. We all owe our veterans so much. This was a new one, 'Deer...and a heartbreaker. Thank you. |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
This is just so true! I got to thinking yesterday that Veterans and Remembrance Day is not only about past sacrifices, but I like to dedicate my prayers, and thoughts to our men and women who serve today as well.  Were it not for the armed forces keeping our boundaries safe, we could also be in National Geographic so easily. There is not enough gratitude in me to thank those that served before, and now. You are just a wonderful storyteller Michael. Have a listen to this wonderful work by John McCrae. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Very touching, very moving, Michael. . My best~ Amaryllis |
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Dakota Member
since 2000-05-25
Posts 125New York |
Balladeer, Yes the cycle of life continues to roll on. So much truth sad as it is in your words here. Our Veterans receive far to little respect for the sacrifices they have made on all our behalves. Doubly disrespected when advancing age puts them in the position of trying to prove their worth. A very emotional topic so eloquently put, I enjoyed this very much. Thank you! Dave |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Eusta....I appreciate the insight you recognized in this poem. Thank you Sunshine.....the women - absolutely! It can even be harder for them and I salute them all. Mysteria..your gratitude to the fighting men has always been so supportive and I love you for it. Flanders Field.....a truly classic poem and one of my favorites over the years. Amaryllis...thank you for allowing my words to touch you, my friend. Dakota...you are so right. Soldiers deserve all the respect we can give them but are too often forgotten....until they are needed again. Obviously you are a person who grants them that respect and I salute you for that. Thank you.... |
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