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Open Poetry #22
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The Healing Wall
| Open Poetry #22 |
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The Healing Wall |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania 
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THe Healing Wall, an exact replica of the wall in Washington will come to our town on October 3. This poem was written for that ceremony The Healing Wall They followed paths of unknown trails In helmless ships with silver sails Through sweltering heat ‘neath leaves of palm The battleground of Viet Nam An endless jungle slowly crept Before the eyes that never slept In harbored corners of the night With one eye closed and one in fright They photographed the visions seen In eyes that thought it was a dream But so well etched horrific cries They kept them hidden in their eyes They flew on choppers overhead Above the living and the dead And only God was witness of Heroic deeds they did for love They followed paths of unknown trails In helmless ships with silver sails Not knowing who would stand or fall And have their name etched on a wall We stand before this wall of black To honor those who didn’t come back A mirror of a family trait A comrade with a different fate We look into the polished sheen And there, reflections of the green And gaze into a memory’s face Another time, another place Our fingers softly touch a name Anointed on a wall of fame We stencil out our love engraved In paper letters to be saved Though time has soothed the wounded hearts Still from this granite wall imparts A love once known, a friendship gained Each one with care engraved and named All souls who see or touch this wall In love and reverence will recall The eyes of one reflecting through The mirror gazing back at you This day of tribute, peace and calm To those who died in Viet Nam To men and women all around Who served on air and sea and ground To those who died, we now salute The deeds we cannot restitute To those who live, we now embrace The sorrow written on your face We cannot fail to honor those Whose fate was one they never chose They followed paths of unknown trails On helmless ships with silver sails The dead, the missing, those unnamed Were souls adrift that God has claimed He gathered vessels, manned the oar And led each one to heaven’s door Elizabeth Santos 9/25/02 [This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (09-26-2002 11:16 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
WOW!! I am speechless! And in tears. No one could have captured it better than you. Hugs, Marti Every now and then take a good look at something not made |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Dear Elizabeth, I think you have an epopee here. I've read nothing better. Love Sy |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Oh Elizabeth I have never ever read such a hearthfelt poem. I wish I could be there when you read this poem for the ceremony to honor the victims and veterans of the VietNam War. You had said that your town lost 28 people and that this Healing Wall was an exact replica of the wall in Washington DC, and it travels around the country so that those who cannot get to Washington have a chance to see a family members names, etc. I had not heard of it until you told me. I think it is important for fellow poets to know tht the Veterans who are sponsoring the event didn't want any speeches or readings, but when they saw your poem, they asked you to read and give a copy to all family members. I think it says exactly what the war was in a poetic and non political way. I love it, and I love you too. Be proud my friend, this is twice your town has called on you to speak on their behalf through your poetry (that I am aware of anyway). This truly brought tears to my eyes. Howdy Neighbour  Sharon [This message has been edited by Mysteria (09-26-2002 11:30 PM).] |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh, dear Liz ... you've given me goosebumps with this amazing piece. What a wonderfully indepth tribute to all who have fallen. The beautiful flow in this, is complemented by your fluid rhyme ... what a treasure this is. Absolutely splended ... superbly written.  Best wishes and big hugs,  /Kit |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Very moving piece Elizabeth. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
... I am speechless...and so very proud to have the opportunity to read the exquisite words you have written. A wonderful tribute. You have done yourself and Passions proud. ~Hugs dear poetess~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Lady Santos, a few months ago this very wall came through our neck of the woods as well. I wanted to write, I truly did, something that would bring forth the tribute truly necessary to the men who served their country, but I could not do it. This is why. When the words have been spoken so eloquently, then no one else need try. Thank you, my dear, for your healing words. [This message has been edited by Sunshine (09-26-2002 08:21 PM).] |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Liz This is amazing, in thought and captured emotion, in flow and perfect pace. I am so proud of you, for your poetic touch that comes from your heart and touches all who read.  |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Liz - Last year the Moving Wall came to my town and stood before us for several days. I visited it and cried - for Richard Rand, the only casualty from my tiny town - and for the thousands who went with him to heaven's door in a horrific war that we were told wasn't a war, but a mere conflict... Your words will speak brilliantly for each and every one of those senselessly lost soldiers. You are a marvel, my very dear, dear friend...I love you... |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This left me speechless with wonder at your talent....it's such a loving, moving poem Liz...you amaze me. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, I am delighted they have brought the memorial to your town as I know now all these patriots are safe with Him who were lost in the war and will always be remembered by us all! (big hugggssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, God Bless them all, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My feelings for this poem....and you...are too large for this little screen. All I can say is....well done, Ms. Santos  |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I have just read your wonderful comments and I will address them in the morning. I'm too medicated and almost asleep right now. This poem is very important to me. I will be back Liz |
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Mother_Earth Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 13701/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan |
Elizabeth, you have brought forth a lot of feelings. I saw the Wall once and it is a feeling I will never ever forget. Your poem brought back all of those feelings. Thank you for sharing, ME |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Elizabeth, An excellent tribute. The company I worked at for the last four years built three VietNam wall replicas. The last was the largest, 3/4 scale, and I was the project manager. The panels were 8 feet tall. We ran our CNC Router for one full year to etch all the names. When we staged the wall, over 300 feet long, it was an incredible experience with unexpected emotion. Those are boys and girls of my generation that died for my freedom. May we never forget. Well done. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Marti, I have been touched by your response in reading this poem Sy, FRom a poet such as you, these are warming wordss Yhank youi Mysteria, I wasn' sure how the veterans would react to this poem. It's a very sensitive subject to both veterans and to the families of those who died in the war. I was so glad they liked it. Thank you for your remarks Kit. Thank you so much for your gracious comment Cris, I appreciate your reading and commenting Enchantress, Your words are very kind. I'm so glad to know you were move by it. Sunshine, This is a poem that I wrote very quickly, because I knew what I wanted to say, I just was afraid of how it would be recieved, but all of the remarks suggest the family members will appreciate ie. Thank you Martie. Thank you dear, You touch my heart Nan, Thank you for your comforting words, I hope my voice holds out when I read it. You know how squeeky it gets sometimes. Well, I'll do my best. Thank you, sweet one PDV, Your comment is so kind. THank you so much. Noah, You have such a loving heart and it always show in your comments. Thank yoou dear Balladeer, I could say likewise to your remark. You overwhelm me. Thank you Mother Earth, I was at the wall in Washington one year with my children on Memorial Day. It was incredible. Veterans who had never met before were embracing each other in groups and sobbing. Just standing there for a length of time. I cannot even becin to know what they are feeling. Thank you LarryC. Oh, what a surprise! Thank you for sharing your involvement in the project. I had honestly never heard of it. You must feel very poroud to be a part of something that affects so many people.. I can't wait to see it here in POttstown. I will think of you. What a great project. The names on the wall are also my peers. How tragic! Thank you, Larry |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I worked at the Fort Polk hospital, and though I was younger and even more naive than they were, I still see the pale faces of scared boys who'd tried to forget what faced them and now faced a VD lecture and treatment. I grew to love the ones I worked with... career military, volunteers, draftees all... and I still remember the names of those who never saw home again. One day, I will trace those names... every day, I will grieve. This is magnificent, Elizabeth... a tribute to those whose names are etched AND to those who, thank God, returned. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
It's always difficult for me to think about this list of names. Too many of them. If you have a moment though, say a goodbye for me to my friend Gaylen Gallion, from Sylmar, CA, whose aircraft was shot down in 1969. He was only 24. I still remember his smile and laugh. |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Oh my, Liz! This is such a beautiful poem. And, a wonderful tribute. |
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paladin
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930Pensacola,Fl. |
I served two tours in Vietnam.I am a walking wall.Names are etched on my mind.No paper and pencil can trace them.I do how ever speak them to any who will hear them.I will not last as long as the wall in Washinton,D.C. but I will remeber them till I die.Read my lips George W."NO MORE WALLS". paladin |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thank you, Paladin. |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Elizabeth~A very touching poem and tribute to many. I'm sure your words will touch many more when read on Oct. 3. You should be very proud to have written such caring words...Paul |
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SimplyGold Senior Member
since 2002-07-10
Posts 1453 |
Bless you! SimplyGold |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
suthern, Thank you for telling of your experiences. It must have been difficult. You had first hand knowledge of what they were saying and perhaps thinking upon their return. Thank you for your comments. Midnightsun, I will leave a prayer fot Galen by the wall. Thank you Smart Chich. Thank you so much for your comments. It means so much Liz |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
paladin, I'm sure there is much more etched in your memory than names. There is something very special about army buddies. They are soul mates beyond the normal bounds of a relationship.It seems almost a sacred bond which noone else can truly understand. Thank yoou for sharing your thoughts. They are very touching. Someday I would like to attempt to write about this subject Thank you for your comments Liz |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Paul , Your remarks are so kind. Thank you so much! Simply Gold. Thank you for reading. Much appreciated Liz |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Hello Elizabeth As always your words were so heartfelt and are such a wonderful dedication to so many. Take care.....Sue I am in motion |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Liz...you have me in absolute tears here. What a memorable piece that mirrors the wall it tells about. I'm sure there will not be a dry eye in the crowd when they hear this receited in your lovely voice. Much applause for this truly remarkable piece |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Liz, Beautiful work of many thoughts. |
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