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Casualty of War
| Open Poetry #18 |
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Casualty of War |
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His Poet Senior Member
since 2001-12-18
Posts 750 |
Please be kind as this is my first real attempt at free verse. The subject is also very emotional for me as I was part of the era of this war and have a very special place in my heart for these vets. Casualty of War He stands on the corner in a camouflage jacket Unkempt, unemployed, unwelcome His cardboard sign says, “Will work for food” It’s hard to make eye contact Oh, please, let the light turn green Doors locked ~ windows rolled up Hermetically sealed from the truth Thank you, Lord. He didn’t approach the car Then why is my heart so heavy? Oh, I know he was once clean- shaven His hair must have been dark and wavy He played high school football ~ girls smiled He smiled back with dazzling white teeth Then his world changed Standing in line with boys, trying to be men Guns, ammo and anxiety, all shoved aboard a transport plane Landing in hell ~ wait, it’s too green to be hell But hell, it’s hot enough! Sweat, insects and death Welcome to paradise, Son. Then why is this a nightmare? Eardrums echo with machine gun fire, rat-a-tat-tat Drown the sound in piss hot beer ~ smoke a little dope Yeah, that’ll dull the pain Dodge the bullet, man ~ time’s short Then why does it seem like eternity? The wounds are invisible ~ they’re all in his mind Stinking death and land mines blew his heart to pieces Shrapnel cut his emotions to shreds Flashbacks blind reality He stands on the corner in a camouflage jacket One more living casualty of war. Cheryl McClellan 2/8/2002 |
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| © Copyright 2002 His Poet - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Silver Streak Member Elite
since 2002-01-02
Posts 3625FL, USA |
Wonderful start, Cheryl. I love it.  -newell Sharing God's Love through perfectlovepoetry.com |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
*sigh* this poem broke my heart...tears are still running down my face...oh gosh...what happened to these poor men who only did what their country would have them do...**big hugs** this poem touched my heart and soul...thank you...thank you. Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh my gosh, this is sooooooo heartbreaking, my heart goes out to him and all others enlisted into the selection of the army! (big hugggsssssss) This is so sad, sweet friend, I hope soon he can again return home and find joy and relief from battle, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Cheryl, thank you for aharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed reading this...touching...James |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Oh Cheryl, this just made me cry. I have seen a few men on the corner like that. Some of these men, many of them, fought for our country, for our freedom. Don't they deserve more than that? Thanks for this, it brings me back to reality. floriaFloria |
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Professor Gloom Member Elite
since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082of Depression |
I hear and understand, Well expressed and a difficult subject well met, I guess my only question is Will you keep the window rolled up? Gloom |
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His Poet Senior Member
since 2001-12-18
Posts 750 |
Oh, a big thank you to all for being so kind in your replies. I am a real softy for veterans of all ages as my dad was WWII. Then my generation was Vietnam and these poor guys just weren't the heroes they deserved to be. Thanks again. Special note to Prof. Gloom. My window is never really rolled up. Just trying to make a point that it's hard to face the reality of war. No, I'm usually one of those who hand the guy a dollar and cry the rest of the drive home. Thanks for reading and caring. [This message has been edited by His Poet (02-09-2002 05:45 PM).] |
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GenXer Senior Member
since 2001-12-15
Posts 583USA |
Cheryl - Powerful writing. Great topic for your first free verse write. I was a political science minor in college, actually I was two classes away from being a double major. Anyway, many of the classes I took dealt with this war and this time period. It was a war we should have never fought, but the troops were not to blame. The real blame should have placed on our government and their ridiculous belief that if we didn't defeat the communist government in North Vietnam that communism would spread throughout the region and the rest of the world. Nice writing. Dave |
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His Poet Senior Member
since 2001-12-18
Posts 750 |
Dave, thanks for reading. I agree we should have never been there. My grief is for those who had no choice but to go and serve and were then spit upon by the country men. I'm glad it's behind us but hope we never forget those who served. Glad you liked it. Cheryl |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Oh! Oh! Cheryl you pierced me with this write and I grieved at you brilliant and ditrubing images. You dear girl are a writer extrordinaire. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
~~Applause~~ Very heartfelt write! |
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His Poet Senior Member
since 2001-12-18
Posts 750 |
Keth, I'm truly flattered this piece moved you. Your words are too kind. Amusemi, Thanks for reading too. I appreciate your reply. Cheryl |
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