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Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2004-06-26 06:21 PM

O gracious be upon my souls demise
as folded flags shed light on these closed eyes.
As shadows grow within a setting sun
when volleys sound and taps are then begun
where friends shed yet another gleaming tear
in sadness of one who they did revere.

When eloquence does flow in softened voice
a eulogy of one whose love survived
where shipmates lingered long in their rejoice
of wisdom’s fruits from whence their living thrived.

And to the arms of oceans and their seas
a withered sailor’s bones are gently cast
to join the ranks of those who stand at ease
and raise a toast to those now gone, now past.

Suetang
Member Ascendant

since 2001-03-07

Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia

1 posted 2004-06-26 06:27 PM

Hello Barry

Your words were so very moving yet so beautifully written. Long may they be remembered.

Take care.........Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

Susan
Member Ascendant

since 2004-03-27

Posts 5104
walking the surreal

2 posted 2004-06-26 11:28 PM

Aye, sir, 'tis reverence spoken here, as should be.

Susan

Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you. Joy is a state of mind.

Kevo
Member

since 2004-06-02

Posts 466
Navarro County, Texas, USA

3 posted 2004-06-27 02:01 AM

Barry,

Incredible tribute to our fallen brethren. I stand united, in solidarity with you. I spent several years in the Marines on a burial detail burying over 600 active duty Marines, and veterans. In fact, I buried the first Marine casualty in Desert Storm when I was a Lance Corporal. He was a Major that flew his helicopter into a dust storm during a combat mission during the initial strafing movements over Iraq and fell out of the sky - Sad day (mortality creeps up on you on days like that one). We buried Marines every day of the week (because we buried are own - no one else was allowed to bury Marines), and included other services every Wednesday. Some days we had 5 or 6 to do. Some were very moving experiences with wives, daughters, mothers, falling on their knees in grief, pulling at our uniforms. Many times I stood at attention or parade rest, whether on casket detail, or rifle squad with a lump on my throat. Some ceremonies where only one or two people were the hardest to swallow since they sacrificed as much as one who had 1000 in attendance. I've seen ashes carried in a carboard box. It simply hurts to see them all fall by the wayside whether retired or active duty. I think that's why I pay them such homage in my own writing. Your poem here is such an eloquent tribute to the fallen men and woman of our ranks. It takes those who have served to to really recognize the committment that these people make whether in peacetime or at war. They are all heroes in my eyes and you have done them enormous justice with this proud write. Stand tall. Carry on. Be advised that I will be in the area today.

Kevin Reese
former Sgt., USMC, OORAAAH! (1988-1996)

iliana
Member Patricius

since 2003-12-05

Posts 13434
USA

4 posted 2004-06-27 02:44 AM

Barry, I can't say much more than has already been said except *hugs* are sent your way in these difficult times. You honor him well. ......jo

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

5 posted 2004-06-29 02:50 PM

I swear I hear taps, Magnus...
as it should be, considering.
Another fine tribute.
May your ink always run,
to hear the quiet of solemn guns.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

6 posted 2004-06-29 02:52 PM

Excellent write Barry...
May I echo what all the others have said ..
and add...well done sir.
Hugs~

Something tugs at me, I've no doubt of that.
Something from the sea, whichever one I'm near.
When I stray too far from beachland, it calls me back

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

7 posted 2004-06-29 02:59 PM

"And to the arms of oceans and their seas
a withered sailor’s bones are gently cast
to join the ranks of those who stand at ease
and raise a toast to those now gone, now past."

Yes, Taps, the saddest song I love.

Very well done.

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

Ericc
Member Elite

since 2003-01-31

Posts 4178

8 posted 2004-06-29 04:10 PM

Powerfuly expressed.

Eric

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

9 posted 2004-06-29 10:59 PM

Between your moving poem and Kevin's stirring reply, I am trembling with emotion.

God bless you, Kevin, and all those who have fallen!

Peace, Love, & Harmony,
Linda

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

10 posted 2004-06-29 11:06 PM

Barry

Some times it is hard to say the right thing, like now...your words are good and so are you, dear man!

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

11 posted 2004-06-30 04:28 AM

here here!

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

12 posted 2004-07-02 05:47 PM

Barry~

This is a glorious poem in it's entirety~
reads like a prayer to me.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

13 posted 2004-07-02 06:11 PM

This has the tone of another time--full of grace and gentility.

sighing.

such eloquence, Mag.

Beautifully done.

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