War and Remembrance - pipTalk Forums

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kayjay
Member Elite

since 2002-06-24

Posts 2015
Oregon

0 posted 2003-03-21 12:57 PM

War and Remembrance

Have you stood on deck a submarine
and cast off mooring lines and stood out to sea?
Then felt the hull shudder as you launched a missile or torpedo?
Have you been on a carrier flight deck
catching 40 ton saddles strapped to jet engines
coming in at 140 miles an hour?
Have you tried to clean a jammed rifle deep in a jungle
while cursing dengue fever?
Have you jumped into the sea from a landing craft
while machine guns blazed about you?
Have you felt that insidious fear that strikes?
Have you seen your best friend become a corpse?

For those of us who have,
And for those who have waved good bye from home.
Let us remember the words of
Confederate cavalry commander Nathan Bedford Forrest
”War means fighting and fighting means killing.”

Have you stood at a memorial wall
dedicated to those who have given “the last full measure?”
I invite you to view their gift to you.

littlewing
Member Rara Avis

since 2003-03-02

Posts 9655
New York

1 posted 2003-03-21 05:09 AM

Ken - God this is powerful - the end is the kicker there:

I invite you to view their gift to you.

good write - sorrowful gift xxoo

[This message has been edited by littlewing (03-21-2003 05:10 AM).]

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

2 posted 2003-03-21 06:13 AM

Well said...James

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

3 posted 2003-03-21 08:54 AM

Very well penned Ken!
God bless all the troops!
~Hugs to you this morn~

~ I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before ~

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

4 posted 2003-03-21 09:42 AM

I have visited the "moving wall" when it came through our small town.

I have been to the cemetaries that go back to Civil War times....

There will always be men and women who don't understand that there will always be war - because humans are not yet perfect.

I will always pray for the men, and women, who stand up for their country, which I still believe to be the best - you won't find me moving from the Heartland.

I thank you...for this.

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-01-04

Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise

5 posted 2003-03-21 09:50 AM

Gosh, this is so powerful and emotional. Your last line almost knocked me off my chair. And because of those men and women, we can sit at our computers, walk down the street, use a telephone and voice our opinions and enjoy all the freedoms we take for granted.

Bravo for your words ... Marti

Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts. A.Einstein

regards2you
Member Elite

since 2002-10-01

Posts 3940
California

6 posted 2003-03-21 09:59 AM

Yes, a most perfect poem. I hope every one reads it!

Hugs, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
"Desiderata"

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

7 posted 2003-03-21 10:54 AM

Ken, I salute you for your service to the motherland--and for this outstanding poem!
It had tremendous impact on this reader. There is no real glory in war! War kills!
You got me out of my arm-chair viewing of war right into the front lines! A very frightening experience! Kudos on "every front"!

Peace & Love,
Linda

Ringo

Member Elite

since 2003-02-20

Posts 3684
Saluting with misty eyes

8 posted 2003-03-21 12:18 PM

I have been to a few of those walls, and they are all a very poignient place to be... This is an outstanding write.

~You might say I'm a Dreamer, but I'm not the only one...
John Lennon

kayjay
Member Elite

since 2002-06-24

Posts 2015
Oregon

9 posted 2003-03-21 12:41 PM

Dear 'wing and James and E
Your wording comforts me
I smile at Karilea

To kindly 'lazerlu
and yes, Regards2you
I always like your view.

Dear Linda, friend so fair
You've written six thou rare
And Ringo, you too care.

My humble thanks to all..Ken

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

10 posted 2003-03-21 01:22 PM

Sweet Ken, my friend,
Whom I hold dear,
Your words are kind
And full of cheer.

Linda

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

11 posted 2003-03-21 06:30 PM

(big huggggsssssss) Oh Ken, this is a very heartfelt write, dearest friend, I never want to go through any of that and keep my fingers off of a gun, though I will always bow before these memorials and honor those who did to secure the colors! (wipes tears) This is well-written, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Ken, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

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