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Open Poetry #21
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Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia

0 posted 2002-07-16 09:40 AM


Lay me down gently
Hold me until
My heartbeat is silent
And my breath is still

Softly the night falls
With blood on my hands
I had no intention
To die in these lands

The pain is diminished
As all fades to grey
But lay me down gently
And over me pray

For I was soldier
I did what I could
For safety and freedom
Have costs, as they should

I was unready
No thought of this day
But I see the pattern
Of fates better way

Lay me down gently
My blood and your tears
All fade in the distance
That stills all my fears

My breathing is ragged
My thoughts all grow dim
So lay me down gently
And I'll go to Him

I feel your presence
As you hold me near
In spirit surrender
With love pure and clear

I did my duty
I couldn't ask more
But lay me down gently
I pass through death's door



Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown


[This message has been edited by Kethry (07-16-2002 09:48 AM).]

© Copyright 2002 Lynne Dale - All Rights Reserved
Decaflame
Senior Member
since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635

1 posted 2002-07-16 09:42 AM



The Soldier's Prayer...
thank you, Kethry, for sharing
some thoughts that are at this
time and day, so very, very pertinent.

Professor Gloom
Member Elite
since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082
of Depression
2 posted 2002-07-16 09:43 AM


I Like it

Gloom

Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
3 posted 2002-07-16 10:17 AM


This is beautiful. And, no, it's not what I had in mind, though I knew whatever you do, you do well.  

Nan(Pilgrim variety)

Charisma
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906
lost in blue pages
4 posted 2002-07-16 10:17 AM


wish I had the right words to say how I like this one, superb write!!

((hugs))
Charisma

Music Maker
Member
since 2002-07-07
Posts 152
THE ORIGINAL !!!!
5 posted 2002-07-16 11:26 AM


As an old soldier with 22 years service, and a few medals to prove 'I was there' - The strange thing is that you never really think it will happen to you.   You are invincible, even though your friends and comrades are falling all around you.    Today, I still have this philosophy forty years later, while I smoke my cigarettes!!!
Thank you,
Kind thoughts
John


Grass won't grow under feet that don't move.

[This message has been edited by Music Maker (07-16-2002 11:28 AM).]

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
6 posted 2002-07-16 11:29 AM


very well written poem - powerful subject - it tells of the realities of a military life for those that give their all - thanks for a really good read and thought provoking poetry - Paul
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2002-07-16 11:32 AM


Wow... There aren't many poems that raise every hair on my arms and send chills down my backbone... This one did. It's superb, Kethry... simply superb!
PoetryIsLife
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2001-10-27
Posts 1763
...in my boxers...
8 posted 2002-07-16 03:29 PM


I love this piece, Kethry. Simply love it. It's superbly written, but also poignant. It flowed well, with good length and stanzas. As one considering the ARMY, as one who feels the duty to protect the freedoms we so rarely understand, this piece is especially close to home.

Sincerely,
Titus

As I'm out there, walking, searching, for myself, for you.... won't you join me? Let's walk this journey together.

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
9 posted 2002-07-16 03:35 PM


I feel your presence
As you hold me near
In spirit surrender
With love pure and clear

I have heard that death is a beautiful experience, Keth...
and this poem seems to confirm it.

Very beautifully expressed.
~ lots of hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
10 posted 2002-07-16 03:51 PM


this is just fabulous....it means more to me than you will ever know.....
Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
11 posted 2002-07-16 04:17 PM


well spoken my friend. . . you understand this too well, I think. . .

superb. . .

----------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
12 posted 2002-07-16 04:31 PM


Wonderful write here Kethry!
Very very well penned...
~Hugs~

mycafe
Senior Member
since 2002-05-23
Posts 584

13 posted 2002-07-16 09:16 PM


...a dignified soldier's departure and last words, you've done it so well Kethry.

mycafe

Keep counting your blessings

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