Freedom, from a vet's view

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Michael G
Senior Member

since 2000-06-25

Posts 579
Nashville

0 posted 2002-07-07 03:22 AM

Yes, I understand that the fourth has passed, but the thoughts that lead to this did not come until I got back from the High Sierra's.

the jagged edge slope
of the next mountain
piercing the sky,
daring it to open itself
up to a new day
full of expectations
that few could be aware
only if you could feel.
how rare the moments
when a hand is extended,
dusted in blood and dirt
reaching for humanity
and you run forgetting
about your own mortality,
lifting, the strugle to gain
ground to a safe haven.
moments are forgotten
as your heart races,
the sweat falls like rain
your body spent, aching
the last lift over rubble
only to discover, he's dead
but comfort in the knowledge
that he will go home.
do they remember the small places,
the countries sent, begging for help
only to be left stained
by the blood of our comrades
who did not fight to be heros
or because we loved the fight,
but in simple terms
fought for the man next to us.
in moments like this
with the wind facing the north
that fights my vision of clarity
I see that I am not alone,
and still I wonder of it all
and try and read the eye's
of all those that stand near me,
do they understand the cost.

Temptress

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-06-15

Posts 7136
Mobile, AL

1 posted 2002-07-07 04:21 AM

Interesting view. One I don't think I've ever really read.
Enjoyed this a lot.
It should be read more.

I will not bend to the cowardice of a silent judgement.

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

2 posted 2002-07-07 04:21 AM

Nice view...James

Sunnyone
Member Ascendant

since 2000-07-06

Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England

3 posted 2002-07-07 04:29 AM

This is one to think on long after it has been read...one that stays with you, and makes you look deeper into your own views.
Thank you for sharing it with us here

Open the door and let your adventure begin!!!

Lady In White

Member Elite

since 2001-02-12

Posts 2799
USA

4 posted 2002-07-07 08:00 AM

We shall never forget the men
that fought...

quote:
the sweat falls like rain
your body spent, aching
the last lift over rubble
only to discover, he's dead
but comfort in the knowledge
that he will go home.
do they remember the small places,
the countries sent, begging for help
only to be left stained
by the blood of our comrades
who did not fight to be heros
or because we loved the fight,
but in simple terms
fought for the man next to us.

May the Lord bless and keep you
and your comrades,
and may you one day know,
your efforts were not in vain...

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

5 posted 2002-07-07 01:16 PM

Michael,  if you knew me....you would see a
man that writes of freedom from time to time

You would also see a Vet.  who...though I
was never in combat in 'Nam....I spent
almost 26 years defending our freedom as a
member of the U.S. Naval Submarine Force.

My price for freedom was not bloodshed,  was
not loss of a friends life...but on many
many days of isolation from family...my
price was part of my soul and many many
moments within my family where I simply was
not there for them...

Yes Michael,  I too know the price,  just as
you yourself do...just a different piece of
the pie of freedom....

Thank you for this poem...it speaks well of
the price....and for some of us...who do
understand...it gives us cause to reflect
and be proud...even though there are some
around us who do not have a clue....

paladin

Senior Member

since 2001-08-05

Posts 930
Pensacola,Fl.

6 posted 2002-07-07 01:36 PM

You are never alone my brother.Vets are a special family bonded by experience.Peace.

paladin

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