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Open Poetry #32
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Magnus
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Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2004-04-27 09:00 PM


I wanted to share this poem.  It was written in 1943 during the war by my grandfather.
Written to my father, who was 19 years old and stationed in the Aleutians.

I guess this is where my poetic genes come from......

I copied it from the paper it was written on.....My brother found it amongst my father’s
personal things.  
--------------------------------------------------------

In answer to a poem from a lovely child
who is serving his country on a lonely isle.
God bless you my son and faithful be,
until again my son I shall see.

I know you are brave and doing  well,
but of course all your hardships we never can tell.
For this I know is very true,
all of your troubles are known only by you.

I love you my son and God only knows,
the blessings of your life on me he bestows.
Tis true my boy you are isolated so
with mountains and plains all covered with snow.

But listen my son, just think for a spell.
Of Africa, Sicily and many more I could tell.
Of the poor devils that fought  and fought so well.

The lives they gave I mean have given so young
Just think for a moment won’t you my son.

Yes I know the Isle is rough and terrible for you.
But for some unknown reason it was intended for you.
To be stationed there for the work you should do.
And I know this work that’s entrusted in your care
will be faithfully performed with your mother’s prayer.

Your mother is lonely and so is your Dad.
But we still have all the faith and hope we have ever had.
We believe with all our heart, soul and mind,
that there is a power much greater than that of mankind.
So, always be patient, faithful and true,
and sometime those Isles will be just memories to you.

I know this may sound silly and untrue to you,
but I only wish I could be fighting for you.
I would gladly gladly give my life with joy
if I could save just only one boy.

© Copyright 2004 Barry J. Tackett - All Rights Reserved
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
1 posted 2004-04-27 09:06 PM


I feel tears and am having a hard time containing them.  He was a gifted man and you have been gifted, too.  Very much enjoyed and thank you so much for sharing this, Magnus.  
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

2 posted 2004-04-27 09:22 PM


This is something sacred, Mag.

Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Extraordinary.

pictureme
Member
since 2003-11-28
Posts 248
Ohio, USA
3 posted 2004-04-27 11:07 PM


Magnus,
wow! After working thru the lump in my throat I utter these words "thank you for sharing this one."
I am speechless!
pictureme :-)

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2004-04-27 11:59 PM


Yes, Magnus...
it came through magnificently...

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
5 posted 2004-04-28 02:44 AM


*lump in throat*
Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

6 posted 2004-04-28 03:06 AM


This is truly touching..something to cherish.

Maree

What are you my god? You touch me like you are my god
What are you my twin? You affect me like you are my twin.

Go Alanis!


Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
7 posted 2004-04-28 08:43 AM


I can not even begin to think of how you must have felt reading this..

What a wonderful gift..

Both the words and the talent passed down to you.

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
8 posted 2004-04-28 08:57 AM


Barry,
The Aleutians are not strange to me.
Spent some time there forty two and three,
Had the same feelings about my son
Could not wait for the war to be won
Treasure the poem.


JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
9 posted 2004-04-28 09:07 AM


Beautiful.  For this country and for your family this is what true patriotism means.  Serving for this country and all of its citizens, and for all those others who ask our help.  Enjoyed the read.
JL


Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
10 posted 2004-04-28 09:38 AM


Magnus~
I am touched-to-tender~

Treasured finds like this are such a blessing to us all~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
- Sufi epigram <))><

noles1@totcon.com

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
11 posted 2004-04-29 01:17 AM


Beautiful words of concern...I remember how worried I was when my son was in Albania...not a good feeling...James
Startime55
Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada
12 posted 2004-04-29 06:51 PM


*sigh* As tears flow down my face I see clearly that two souls have become one...Your heart and talented soul are like unto your grandfather's. This poem is absolutly beautiful and filled with the pure emotions of a loving father...**hug**

INclan
Senior Member
since 1999-07-20
Posts 1024
Indiana, USA
13 posted 2004-04-29 07:39 PM


I know this may sound silly and untrue to you,
but I only wish I could be fighting for you.
I would gladly gladly give my life with joy
if I could save just only one boy.


As a husband, father and parent, I do not feel I could express these thoughts better. This sums it all up for me.

INclan

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
14 posted 2004-04-29 10:23 PM


Barry.... dear man.
Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
15 posted 2004-04-29 10:27 PM


No wonder you would like to have known your grandpa.  Through this poem you do and now so do we.  Wonderful find.  Joyce
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