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Open Poetry #4
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Small Pain in My Chest
| Open Poetry #4 |
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Small Pain in My Chest |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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(This was the first poem I ever posted at Passions, which introduced me to Nan, DeVine, Fred, Doreen and many wonderful people who have become friends. Many of you have read it and I'm not really posting it to get responses....I simply have a personal tradition of placing it somewhere every Veteran's Day. This year it's here. My strongest salute to all who served.....) The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree. As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me. The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light. "I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could." A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good. We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest - A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest." As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt. "Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest. They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest." "Must be fatigue", he weakIy smiled. "I must be getting old. I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold. We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest, The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest." "I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground. I kept an firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best, But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest." "I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen. "Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest, Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest." "What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown, If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone? Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast, That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?" "Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun. "It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun. I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest .......... And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried; I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest. |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
And a snapped salute back at ya sir.....simply wonderful! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
How can words dry up and fail me when tears stream down my cheeks? This is a poem I will not forget... thank you. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Balladeer,I've read this one before and it still brings tears to my eyes, its so sad and so beautiful, again Well Done Sir Balladeer!!  ------------------ What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
This is so beautiful ! Thanks for reposting it. : ) |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Tears here too Balladeer....a most moving piece...... ------------------ A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Oh Bal....HUSG ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
ANYONE! Anyone that can write something like this is a genius and a true hero themselves! If you notice, I didn't say a "True American", though this gentleman I'm sure is, but so many forget, that soldiers from all countries, all walks of life, all nationalities and races died in what they believed to be right. Whether it was our enemy or our friend, people die for what they believe in. Here, in the United States, it's known as for God and Country....Sadly, in other countries, some being the enemy, it's because they are brainwashed to believe something else. They bleed the same, they hurt the same, their families grieve the same. Not many people anywhere....And I do mean ANYWHERE, could write something like this poem. This one really did "Hit Old Toerag in the Chest!" |
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moonmoon Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 277TX , USA |
A teary salute back Sir.. Thanks for the repost..enjoyed much.. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I sincerely thank everyone of you....very much. You're right, Toe. Every soldier in every country fights, bleeds, dies and leaves loved ones behind in the insanity of war. Your comments will not be forgotten, friend. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Having just spoken to Bal, I didn't realise that we're perhaps unique in that most of our country stops at 11am for 2 minutes...airports, radio, TV, most traffic, virtually all workplaces and it's a very unique feeling...one of being united even though we all stand alone in our silence and respect! Just thought it would be nice to share how a different country reacts..:-) HUGS all ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. [This message has been edited by RainbowGirl (edited 11-11-1999).] |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
This should be reposted every year at 11:00 a.m. We cannot compete ever with 'Deer's abilities...so he will just have to be our Beacon Deacon. Thank you, Kind Sir, for these words. Although you did not want comments back, how could anyone not? ------------------ Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
Tears here as well my friend. I just want to add that this could be your father or brother or son by this tree. Everyone must remember the gift we have. The gift that father's, son's and brother's died for. We are blest with the gift of freedom and we should value it much. I was speaking to my mother today about WWII. About memories my grandparents and my father has of the occupation if Holland. This is closer to us them we wish to believe. We have to look closer and understand the value of the lives lost for us. Thankyou for letting me speak my mind. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I am as much moved by tears this time as I was the last time I read this posting from you Balladeer. Such touching words, so well told. This poem is a classic or if you trust me and FINALLY submit some of your stuff, it will one day soon be Ruth ------------------ Alis volat propriis (She flies with her own wings) |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
One of my favorites. My Dad would have loved it! I'll accept your salute on his behalf. And I join you in your salute to all who served. And I salute you! ------------------ Denise |
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Tara Simms Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244Honea Path, SC USA |
Wonderful writing, Balladeer. Brought tears to my eyes. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I read this poem about ten minutes ago and I'm still holding him in my arms. I can't let go. Elizabeth |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
It effects me now as it did before and always will. |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Wow Balladeer! I don't know what to say. Except thank God for them to fight like they have to give us what we have today! Great job! Excellent writing, Superb thought. THANKS |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Wow, Balladeer, this one touches me deeply. Indeed, a salute is due here. Michael |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
really beautiful Mr. Balladeer |
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Ohme Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816Texas |
Balladeer, poems like this tug at my heart and become difficult to read because of the tears in my eyes. Very nicely done. |
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Saxoness
since 1999-07-18
Posts 1102Texas |
I remember when i first read this poem, i cried for my Grampa. I do so again, not because it opens old wounds, but because i am so proud of him, and all those who sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you Balladeer ------------------ "Glory remains unaware of my neglected dwelling where alone I sing my tearful song which has charms only for me." -Charles Brugnot |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Excellent, my friend. One of the best that I have ever read. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
The thread in the lounge about favorite poems gave me the perfect excuse to prowl in the archives, trying to find the URL for poems I'd printed out and saved. And it would be truth to say this one has been haunting me because it's Memorial Day weekend... but the bigger truth is that it's haunted me since the first reading for both its poignancy and its perfection. *S* But reading the comments again did remind me of this song written in 1976 about WWI. Eric Bogle is a Scotsman who's lived in Australia for many years... His "No More I'll Go Waltzin' Matilda" (about Galipoli) would be worth the price of the CD if that was the only song recorded. *S* You and he write of different wars in different places but the death and devastation are the same... I hope you don't mind me including these lyrics. *S* No Man's Land (also known as The Green Fields of France) - words and music by Eric Bogle, 1976 Well, how'd you do, Private Willie McBride, D'you mind if I sit down here by your graveside? I'll rest for awhile in the warm summer sun, Been walking all day, Lord, and I'm nearly done. I see by your gravestone you were only nineteen When you joined the glorious fallen in 1916, I hope you died quick and I hope you died "clean," Or, Willie McBride, was it slow and obscene? CHORUS: Did they beat the drum slowly, did they sound the fife lowly? Did the rifles fire o'er ye as they lowered ye down? Did the bugles sing "The Last Post" in chorus? Did the pipes play the "Fleurs O' The Forest"? Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind In some faithful heart is your memory enshrined? And, though you died back in 1916, To that loyal heart are you forever nineteen? Or are you a stranger, without even a name, Forever enshrined behind some glass pane, In an old photograph, torn and tattered and stained, And fading to yellow in a brown leather frame? Well, the sun's shining down on these green fields of France; The warm wind blows gently, the red poppies dance. The trenches have vanished long under the plow; No gas and no barbed wire, no guns firing now. But here in this graveyard it's still No Man's Land; The countless white crosses in mute witness stand To man's blind indifference to his fellow man. And a whole generation who were butchered and damned. And I can't help but wonder now, Willie McBride, Do all those who lie here know why they died? Did you really believe them when they told you "the cause?" Did you really believe that this war would end wars? Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame, The killing, the dying, it was all done in vain, For Willie McBride, it's all happened again, And again, and again, and again, and again. |
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ecrivan Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923my own state |
This is why I want to say Nov 11th should be every day, not just a salute for a minute.How do you comemmorate peace earned on behalf of bloodshed, for only a moment? Very, very touching poem indeed! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Deer, this touches thank you |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
If i had to pick a favorite poem at Passions, this would be it. egowhores.com - really love yourself. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I see Dixie is on the loose in the archives again!!  Thank you, Dixie, for your kindness  Chris...I recognize how high that praise is and I sincerely thank you for it  |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
A favorite of mine and I am sure everyone who has read it.But new pistes need to read it too. |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Enjoyed ARCTIC WIND |
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