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Balladeer
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0 posted 2002-11-11 07:24 PM


As is my tradition (and because it is Toerag's favorite poem) I post this on every Veteran's Day. This is the fourth one. Wow! Where has the time gone? I hope you enjoy
.
.
.
The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light

"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could."
A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest -
A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest."

As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
"Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest."

"Must be fatigue", he weakIy smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest."

"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest."

"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."

"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?"

"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest

I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.


© Copyright 2002 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Titia Geertman
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since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
1 posted 2002-11-11 07:27 PM



And for two years now it's my favorite too!!!

I'll never forget the way you recited this poem on that memorable poetic Friday night in Tampa my friend
Titia



Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

[This message has been edited by Titia Geertman (11-11-2002 07:29 PM).]

scorpio
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since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
2 posted 2002-11-11 07:29 PM


You may have posted this four times...but it's the first read of it for me...it's a moving write balladeer...well penned as always..

...believe what your heart feels...

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2002-11-11 07:32 PM


*Choking back the tears here 'Deer...*
Fantastic moving write poet sir.
Bless you.
~Hugs~

~Let your heart guide you...
  It whispers so listen closely~

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
4 posted 2002-11-11 07:34 PM



Annual, yes.  
Never old.  
Never.  
Thank you, Balladeer.

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
5 posted 2002-11-11 07:49 PM


I also remember your voice while reciting.
Kind of hard to forget how it added to the words.

~smiling
M

Poet deVine
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Hurricane Alley
6 posted 2002-11-11 08:01 PM


This is one of my favorites. It leaves me with more than a small pain in my chest. Thank you for writing it and reposting it, Mike.
Christopher
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Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
7 posted 2002-11-11 08:11 PM


Still my favorite from you Michael. This is one of those rare poems that sticks with one long past the time your mind's eye leaves the last word. Thanks for reposting it.

Chris

Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
8 posted 2002-11-11 08:15 PM


Michael I remember you reciting this at Nan's and I was crying then just like I am crying now.  Thank you for remembering them, you have a good heart, and soul my friend.  I love this too.

                
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

majnu
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SF Bay Area
9 posted 2002-11-11 08:30 PM


the honesty here is cruel and almost too much to bear.

-majnu
--------------------------------------
Timid thoughts be not afraid. I am a Poet.

Mistletoe Angel
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10 posted 2002-11-11 09:25 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, as old as this may be, the heart from which this is written in you has only grown golden as this is timeless and presses deeply to the hearts of all veterans who secured our freedom and colors! (big hugggsssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, your mighty words touch all our hearts with faith and courage and compassion, we all love you so much and may we all offer our silence to all of these heroes who will never be forgotten! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

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

Shakira

LCBS
Senior Member
since 2001-11-29
Posts 532
Connecticut
11 posted 2002-11-11 09:36 PM


I had the pleasure of reading this for the first time 3 years ago.  I was not yet a member of passions but my brother thought it was so beautiful that he sent me to read it. I honestly had tears in my eyes that day, and it may have been one of the reasons I joined here.  Thank you for reminding me what today is all about, and why I came upon this second home...


~Lisa

Honeybee
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since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
12 posted 2002-11-11 09:57 PM



Once again, you bring tears to my eyes, I remember this from years ago as well, and it moved me then as it does now.  This is still one of my favourites of yours and is proof that you a true poet and deserve to be published!

Take care,
Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

Balladeer
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13 posted 2002-11-11 10:48 PM


Titia...thank you, my friend. It was a pleasure being able to recite it to you in person..

scorpio...I thank you for your kind words.

Nancy...and a "bless you" right back atcha!

Sunshine...thank you! I'm beginning to feel pretty "annual"!

Maureen...and I remember your looking at me as I recited...hard to forget, too

Poet deVine..thank you for enjoying it again.

Christopher..any praise from you is very appreciated and I thank you for your words.

Mysteria..yes, you are a crier LOL!...and that's because you have a heart of gold as big as the heavens. You are a very special lady...

majnu...honesty is often cruel. Thank you for reading..

Noah..they will never be forgotten as long as there are people like you around. Thank you, my friend.

Lisa...those could be the kindest words I've ever received. Thank you from my heart and thank you for being here..

Patootie...you know how much your words mean to me. Thank you for being such a strong supporter

SmartChick
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since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
14 posted 2002-11-11 11:48 PM


Balladeer, this is a wonderful poem for Veterans Day! I remember reading this before. I really like it. Even though it is so sad.
DawnG
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15 posted 2002-11-12 12:25 PM


Balladeer,

This is the first time I have read this poem and it touched me very deeply. I thank you and all the veterans thank you for writing such a loving tribute.

                           Dawn

Larry C
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16 posted 2002-11-12 12:33 PM


Michael,
This poem is as timeless as the service rendered by the veteran representing them all. I like being familiar with tradition in this place. I'll never tire of this and it is in my personal collection of poems. God bless all veterans, their families and the USA.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

garysgirl
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17 posted 2002-11-12 01:56 AM


Mr. Balladeer, this is so very touching. I'm so glad that you reposted it for the ones of us who haven't seen it before, as well as the ones who are enjoying it again.
If anyone at all had any doubts about the great big loving hearts that you cute humorous guys have, the doubts should now be erased.
This poem demonstrates the love that people from all walks of life have for each other, if only given a chance, especially in situations where they'd rather not be.
Michael, this ones going into my library. Hope you don't mind.
Again, thanks for sharing your great big heart.

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

Tammy Blessing
Member
since 2002-08-26
Posts 366
PA
18 posted 2002-11-12 02:15 AM


This is the first time I have read this and the tears are rolling down my face so freely I can scarce type a reply. This is an incredible write Balladeer. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Tammy

Toerag
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Ala bam a
19 posted 2002-11-12 07:19 AM


I get chills everytime I read this masterpiece, I wonder if anyone could have written this that wasn't there? Even if one wasn't out on the battle field, everyone saw or knew in detail the results. I guess this poem affects me as it is so very real. This happened routinely. The courage of the "soldier" is quite strange. It comes in many different forms. The death of a soldier too, comes in many different ways. We should all "salute" the Vets and remember the other Vets, the ones that didn't come home, they are to be honored and remembered. Thanks Mike.
suthern
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Louisiana
20 posted 2002-11-12 09:07 AM


I have co-favorites... (I'm only decisive in my devotion to Toe! *G*)... this and The Kingdom of Lox. *S*

There are annual things I could do without... paying taxes and hayfever come to mind. *G* But "annual" isn't enough for this... I read it often. *S* And whenever it fails to move me to tears, I'll know my heart has stopped beating.

Marsha
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Maidstone Kent England
21 posted 2002-11-12 09:36 PM


’Deer dearest heart, I truly believe that this is the most amazing piece I’ve ever heard. I’ve always been brought to tears by this wonderfully well written and perfectly presented poem, but when you read it I swear I was spellbound, rooted to the spot with utter amazement how touching this is. I could go into a lengthy explanations about why this is such a brilliant poem, but the bare facts are it touches the reader / audience with an immediacy that is hard to describe. The audience is there in that place of blood and tears, they see the soldier dying and being brave, and they see the face of humanity and mortality.

As for it being a re-post, I prefer to call it a classic, and a classic what is more that is exquisitely well written and carries in it the hallmark of excellence, it is written by you how could it be anything less than perfect. I love it utterly utterly utterly. Thank you for re-posting it, and ‘Deer dearest heart you could re-post every single poem you’ve ever written and I know I speak for a whole what would be the collective noun for a group of poets? A harmony? …..a whole harmony of poets when I say that they would welcome each one like the faithful would welcome the coming of Mohammed. Pretty please, ‘please sir can I have some more’  

Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy

Breathe through the heat of our desire
Thy coolness and they balm
Let sense be dumb let flesh retire
Speak through the earthquake wind and fire

Wind
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22 posted 2002-11-12 09:48 PM


OOh gosh, I cried ssoo hard. That was the saddest poem! I can't believe I've missed this.

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

LngJhnAg
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since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
23 posted 2002-11-12 10:20 PM


Something else that is truly amazing about this poem is that it isn't the only incredible poem by you, 'Deer.  You write so well.  I love this poem, as I love many of your poems.  Great writing, Mike.
Balladeer
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24 posted 2002-11-12 11:50 PM


SmartChick...thanks, Sue. You'll be seeing it in print soon

Dawn...thank you for your kind words. It is indeed for all veterans of every war...

Larry..add yourself to the list of those who should be blessed. You're a good man, Larry...

garysgirl...I'm honored to be in your library. Yes, people from all walks of life have decency for each other....it's the leaders who cause war. Perhaps someday we'll refuse to fight.

Tammy...thank you for being moved by these words. You are indeed a Blessing..

Toerag...you know it, sir. The only reason I'm here to write this is because others who aren't here made it possible. My hat goes off to those men and to men like you who laid their lives on the line every day for their comrades and country. I salute you, Buzz, and am honored to call you friend.

Suthern girl...what a beautiful thing to say! May your heart beat for a long time to come....

mushy....oh no you don't!! You hornswaggled me into that when the last new group came in! Thank you for your kindnesses and I'm glad I got to read to you in person..

wind...sad, yes, but hopefully one day things will change. I appreciate your allowing my words to touch you...

LongJohn...from a person I truly respect, both as a poet and a man, I appreciate your comments. Yes, we all joke around and have fun but we all have the same roots in the things that count. Thanks for your friendship, Mike...

Kit McCallum
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Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
25 posted 2002-11-13 07:29 AM


Ahhhh ... and here you are with one of my favorites Michael. You already know how much I enjoy this wonderful story. Each time I read it, I get a small pain in my own chest, and a tear in my eye. Delicately woven through to the finish, with such a powerful message. This is my all-time

Best wishes and hugs to you,
/Kit

Nan
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Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
26 posted 2002-11-13 08:04 AM


I can't say this is my "favorite" - because it's "among" my favorites.  You have way too many exceptional works for me to be able to choose... "the kid in the candy store syndrome" here...

You know I love it, my Deer - and that you choose Veteran's Day to post it is wonderful...

Cpat Hair
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27 posted 2002-11-13 09:43 AM


Deer.... I remember you saying I didn't even talk to you... so thought I better say instead of just think this time.

I read this from some of your previous postings of it...and each time I am touched by the way it captures what I lack words to explain... human spririt perhaps... courage certainly..and yet most couragous people if asked would say.they were only doing what they had to..or their job...

good stuff Deer... and I really don't believe half the things the others say about you... ( chuckling)


Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
28 posted 2002-11-13 12:59 PM


I agree with Nan, Micheal...
I saw this one in your book, and read it again and again...
and today.....  I read it again...
Although it isn't my very favorite of yours... it certainly is close to the top and its perfect for Veteran's Day
~ hugs and peace

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Elizabeth Santos
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since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
29 posted 2002-11-13 06:41 PM


You may post this annually, but it comes to my mind many times during the course of a year. It is one of the most moving poems I have ever read, and I'm back to read it again.
THank you, dear poet, for this very human and touching poem. Thank you for the beauty of your heart and the beauty of your words
Liz

Connel
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Florida, USA
30 posted 2002-11-13 09:04 PM


Great poem.. Thank you for sharing.

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.

Balladeer
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31 posted 2002-11-13 10:43 PM


Kit...you are a wonderful friend and always a great supporter. My poem is proud to be a "keeper" of yours!

Nan...thank you, your high-NESS. May the candy store never close!

Ron...I thank you sincerely for responding...and for not believing half

Madame C...it's always great to see your words. Thank you, Lyra, and you are in my thoughts..

Liz...and thank you for being you. Few poets I've met in my life have shown me how beautiful poetry can be more strongly than you. Thank you for your friendship

connel...thank you for reading and responding..

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
32 posted 2002-11-14 09:47 AM


This remains one of my two favorites of yours...this and The Dummy, although it's hard to choose, because I've not seen one that wasn't first rate. I can still recall the first time I read this poem and how I stared at the screen with tear filled eyes and sat in awe at your talents. You have an unique talent my friend and someday you'll be recited by school kids and bunched with the greats like Shelly and Poe...(then imagine how much my $13.00 book will be worth   
Beautiful and once a year is not near enough.

Eliza
Member
since 2002-11-18
Posts 58

33 posted 2002-11-18 03:27 PM


You write the heart of a hero
perhaps it is because you are one, yourself.

Thank you.


Neeraja
Senior Member
since 2002-06-22
Posts 812
The Netherlands
34 posted 2002-11-19 07:40 AM


This poem is also my favorite poem... and because of this poem I am a member of Passions!  

Thanks Michael!!!


kaile
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singapore
35 posted 2002-11-19 08:39 AM


Hi Michael,

I haven't been logging on to passions these few months or so...Am glad that this didn't slip me by, unnoticed...

i read this a year ago, printed it out and refer to it every now and then...And i still feel heartbroken each time i read the last line..

thanks for sharing this again

Mick Hawkes
Member
since 2000-10-26
Posts 90
Tees-side , England
36 posted 2002-12-14 01:19 PM


This is with out dout my favourite poem, maybe because im an ex-seviceman my-self with a similar experiance and it strikes a cord , not sure!.. but i know it makes me "feel" every time i read it, its the poem that inspired me to take poetry more seriously & for that i thank the poet.. thankyou..

Never take life too seriously - None of us gets out alive!

passing shadows
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displaced
37 posted 2002-12-14 01:56 PM


a first read for me...but I'm glad I didn't miss it this year!
Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
38 posted 2002-12-15 04:35 PM


Thank you all for reading...and Mick, this poet thanks YOU very sincerely
Magicmystery
Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
39 posted 2003-11-06 04:52 AM


I was just reading your post in announcements and didn't know the poem to which you made reference...had to do the smart-search thing.... and I know that you make a habit of posting this one every year for  Rememberance (vetrans Day) But I am making it official.... PLEASE POST THIS AGAIN.  It is an incredible poem and I needed klennex after I was finished..... hell... I needed klennex after the first two stanzas.... and before I lose track of it again.... It is going into my library.

Sherry


Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
40 posted 2003-11-06 10:10 PM


Thank you so much, Sherry. I'm really very glad it moved you and I'm sure I'll post it again one day...thank you again
Ringo
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Saluting with misty eyes
41 posted 2003-11-06 11:11 PM


I wasn't going to comment on this because it is just hitting entirely too close to home, however, I find myself reading it every day that it is on here, and I can't seem to get rid of it.
Remind me one of these days to explain how close you came to perfect.

We are all equal but we’re individually different
and able to reach the impossible if we try.

Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
42 posted 2003-11-06 11:25 PM


I think you just did, Ringo....and I thank you for it.
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