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Open Poetry #23
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paladin
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since 2001-08-05
Posts 930
Pensacola,Fl.

0 posted 2002-11-08 11:59 AM


Hell no we won't go
People in the street chanting
Hey,hey L.B.J.

Draft cards are burning
The flag is covered with blood
How many killed today?

Make love not war.man
Don't make me a soldier
Let's give peace a chance

War!,good God y'all
National guard shoots
Four dead in Ohio

Bring all the boys home
Poor black and white boys fighting
Rich kids go to school

I served two combat tours in Viet Nam and received a bronze star and three purple hearts.I came home to be spat on and called a baby killer.Men who have never fought in war cry the loudest for it.Men who have fought in wars are in favor of it as the last resort.




paladin

[This message has been edited by paladin (11-08-2002 02:39 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Robert E. Jackson - All Rights Reserved
the_loner_23
Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
1 posted 2002-11-08 12:02 PM


Awesome poem. Full of so much feeling.

Cold hands means a warm heart

garysgirl
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Florida, USA
2 posted 2002-11-08 12:26 PM


Robert, I could feel the strong emotions you had when writing this poem. I personally think that our Viet Nam veterans have been given a raw deal in lots of ways.
Well, probably enough said, for now.

"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~
                  

Toerag
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since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
3 posted 2002-11-08 12:32 PM


I know this all too well.....
suthern
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since 1999-07-29
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Louisiana
4 posted 2002-11-08 12:40 PM


This brought forth so many memories and emotions... with respect and gratitude heading the line... and remorse that they weren't given you all along.
NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
5 posted 2002-11-08 12:42 PM


Well, Robert, this brought a bucket of tears and memories that should not have to be remembered. But, I thank you for your prior commitment to our freedom.

And I fear, the same will happen if Bush decides to finish off Saddam. How I pray for our young boys in the service. The USS Constitution recently left San Diego harbor ready and armed for war. Not a good sign.

Hugs dear man ... Marti

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
6 posted 2002-11-08 12:46 PM


My husband also served as a Marine during the VietNam war...was in a battalion that had their own men killed by friendly fire...I was a Senior in High School and then in college and was married to him when the war ended. I think that today with all the movies and recollections in books and on tv..that he is reaffected( if such a word) by those years, and I am sure the drinking heavily is a result...

Brought back many memories...
M

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2002-11-08 01:28 PM


Robert, I lived in your country during that time frame
and lost many a friend and neighbour to that war.  
Senseless...
Well done poet sir.
~Hugs~

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

Mistletoe Angel
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Portland, Oregon
8 posted 2002-11-08 03:17 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Robert, this is so very heartaching, I too can't understand how senseless some people can be, my heart goes out to you and I for one am proud of you for standing up thee for us all and you and all the veterans deserve so much more respect than what they gave you all coming back home! (big hugggsssssss) I send angel hugs of comfort your way, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Robert, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton


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

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (11-08-2002 03:18 PM).]

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
9 posted 2002-11-08 03:21 PM


Paladin~
I simply salute and honor you and all those who served in that war~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
           noles1@totcon.com                       

1slick_lady
Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088
standing on a shadow's lace
10 posted 2002-11-08 03:25 PM


this is such a strong poem of the pain of honor...you have my deepest thanks
Sunnyone
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since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England
11 posted 2002-11-08 03:28 PM


Paladin, I am from the Viet Nam era, and also agree with you that war is a last resort.  You were called to duty by your country, and served with honours. I know how it was when you stepped off the plane, because I was the part of the crowd who was tearfully cheering for you.......and missing my friends who didn't come home. I applaud you now for this insightful message, and pray that war is only used as the last resort.

Pen how you truly feel...
it is a safety-valve for the soul!
    

[This message has been edited by Sunnyone (11-08-2002 03:30 PM).]

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
12 posted 2002-11-08 05:29 PM


I remember the chants and if we must have a war, I'm glad there are people like you willing to fight, for I know that without patriots there would be no freedom.
Keth

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



scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
13 posted 2002-11-08 05:42 PM


Not only do I salute your poem but I salute you and all the brave men involved in that combat..I've stood at the memorial when it went on tour..touched the names of friends who will never grow old....

...believe what your heart feels...

Wind
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Posts 2981

14 posted 2002-11-08 06:37 PM


This is something that means a lot to me. I love this poem, because it reminds me of my own feelings. If you can relate to a poem, you love it even more.

"Sticks and stones will break my bones,
But words will break my heart"

Connel
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Senior Member
since 2002-11-04
Posts 736
Florida, USA
15 posted 2002-11-08 06:40 PM


Poeple are always fighting.. Thats the way things are.. I wish they would change. But in my heart i know, the fight will never end. Thank you for posting this poem, it will remind people of what is happenening, which shouldnt be.

I wish to become a great poet some day, but it will only come in time. Til then, I shall write my poems, and wait.

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
16 posted 2002-11-08 07:29 PM



Men who have never fought in war cry the loudest for it.
Men who have fought in wars are in favor of it as the last resort.


So true these words.
So true your words above
There's only a thin line
Between hatred and love

Thanks for reminding me

Titia


Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Gemini
Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203
Wisconsin, USA
17 posted 2002-11-08 09:17 PM


I thank you for your poignant message, my heart goes out to anyone who has served as each individual in war has had to go through their own personal hell over there and in coming back.
You are to be commended dear sir for your words and your bravery.  This tragic war will never be forgotten.

2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
18 posted 2002-11-09 12:21 PM


Another of your power packed poems, which I enjoyed.
I served in that era, but not in Viet Nam. I salute you sir.

Thanks,
Melton

Midnitesun
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Gaia
19 posted 2002-11-09 12:31 PM


And still we chant. You carry your purple heart inside, and it beats to the tune of truth; those who do not have to do the fighting chant the loudest for war.
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

20 posted 2002-11-09 02:21 PM


I have no words that can do this poem, yourself and those who served justice.
I can only whisper......thank you

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