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Open Poetry #14
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Just A Man
Junior Member
since 2001-06-02
Posts 15
Pain

0 posted 2001-06-06 07:14 PM


In Normandy
yes every single one
now known by codes given
names that have transcended
live on

I have seen the ravines
brave terrified soldiers
advanced upon and bunkers
trenches pill boxes and more
seen the cliff called Point Du Hoc
where rangers scaled in ladders and rope
to find the bunkers empty and more

St. Marigelse whose thousand year
old church paratoopers hung upon
to be murdered ceaselessly and the
stained glassed window inside portraying men

of 82nd Airborne as Angel sword held high
midst carved panels the life of Christ 11th
century beside the 20th there burns many lights
I too have lit a candle there and seen the
holes in ancient stones none dare would remove

Yes I have walked each and every beach of
Normandy in absolute disbelief a single man
could go so far into the teeth of Hell and more

I have walked the cemetaries of every country there
Everywhere a name a life in sight markers every sort
I have walked midst crosses white and crosses black
Yes that is what you will find should you ever
choose to walk the beaches and memories of Normandy

"In daring to dream, offering life,I am sentenced to life as a Deadman walking. Such ends all Love given."

© Copyright 2001 Just A Man - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2001-06-06 07:26 PM


I do believe
quote:
Yes I have walked each and every beach of
Normandy in absolute disbelief a single man
could go so far into the teeth of Hell and more

this says it all...

thank you!



Interloper
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
2 posted 2001-06-06 07:26 PM


A goal of mine one day.  My son, now a Captain, walked there as a young Lieutenant and we talked.  I will do it after I visit my friends on the wall.

[This message has been edited by Interloper (edited 06-06-2001).]

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
3 posted 2001-06-06 09:11 PM


JustAMan~
This piece has touched me deeply ...

'I too have lit a candle there and seen the
holes in ancient stones none dare would remove'


A friend who served, returned last year -
and I am sure he would like if I would share this with him.
I will do that and I thank you.
~*Marge*~

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

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
4 posted 2001-06-06 09:14 PM


Just a Man--This poem brings the heart to touch where it has not touched...thank you.
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
5 posted 2001-06-06 10:41 PM


that is the exact feeling....single disbelief. If I am lucky some day I will be half the man those soldiers were...this is more than admirable...it is real. Thank you for sharing....
Logan
Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641
Arkansas
6 posted 2001-06-06 10:46 PM


How very appropriate, for D-Day, the sixth of June..thank you
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