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Open Poetry #7
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Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554


0 posted 2000-04-28 08:58 AM


Where did you get those empty eyes ...
why cant you let your pain show.
Where is that man who use to light up our world ...
can anyone tell me where did he go.

When you came back ... you said...
"nothing looks the same".
Its so hard to see the light --
looking thru so much shame.

That bright eyed kid with a guitar ... left,
and returned a shell of a man ...  lost.
Why couldn't we stop it,
why couldn't anyone see the cost.

Three best friends left together ...
only one came back.
He never could find his way ...
even now, he's not back on track.

I'll never forget the look on your face ...
the day you saw the wall.
I'll never forget your release ...
for each name -- a tear did fall.

And for just a moment there,
you let your self feel.
For just a moment ...
you uncovered the scars that wont ever heal.

You still live it everyday,
I know the memories never fade.
They told us "your lucky he came home" ...
well, part of you did ... but your soul and spirit stayed.

There you sit ... with those empty eyes ...
wrapped in silence ... that blank stare.
No one was able to reach you ...
you sit beside me ... but your still over there.

Janet Marie 4/28/00


For my uncle Bob,
Corporal, US Marines, purple heart recipient




[This message has been edited by Janet Marie (edited 04-28-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Janet Marie - All Rights Reserved
Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
1 posted 2000-04-28 09:36 AM


These poems of vietnam are sad reminders of the nightmares of war ... my brother came back alive sort of ... but I've never seen him since ... I should go and visit him ...
Jeffrey Carter
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Member Elite
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367
State of constant confusion!
2 posted 2000-04-28 10:04 AM


Janet,
This is an excellent contribution to this cause. I know the pain of having someone you love return a totally different person.

All my love,
Jeffrey

 I lie awake in a world filled with dreams,
but dreams can be so real when you don't know you're asleep

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
3 posted 2000-04-28 10:19 AM


Janet, this is  so so so true. The same people never come back. They can't. This is a wonderful way to make that point.
Danny Holloway
Member Elite
since 2000-01-15
Posts 2034
Tulsa, OK
4 posted 2000-04-28 10:35 AM


JM, you could have been writing this about my brother.....same outcome.
Excellent writing~~~~~


 A life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives.


Jeffrey Carter
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Member Elite
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367
State of constant confusion!
5 posted 2000-04-28 02:42 PM


BTTT
netswan
Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369
Washington
6 posted 2000-04-28 07:33 PM


Janet, another sad tear jerker to the
reminder of at what cost - war has
done --
This is beautifully written and I can
feel your pain and his.

netswan

Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
7 posted 2000-04-28 07:47 PM


JanetMarie~
So tender.
I cry for them all.
The 'Nam vets came together to honor the men with whom they served ... for the masses in this nation would not honor them.

A stronger group is hard to find.
The 'stare' takes them to a plane where
they can try to deal with the grief and
horrors of the war in their lonliness.

I'm reminded of Billy Ray Cyrus'
'All Gave Some - Some Gave All'
one of the most poignant songs ever sung
in tribute to the vets of 'Nam.
Love to you ....
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


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