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Open Poetry #36
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Tndeer1
Member
since 2005-06-24
Posts 87
TN. USA

0 posted 2005-06-27 01:17 AM


This was what I saw the first time my husband and I had to go to the VA Hosp. when he first became sick. This poem also represents ALL Branches of the Service, not just Army.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"TheVeteran"

Today I was reminded of what time could not erase
As I walked through the halls I felt a sadness in this place
A building filled with history our books will never see
Their stories are the pages locked inside their memory

It's one of many you will find that's scattered everywhere
These people come here hoping to receive the proper care
I saw a few in wheelchairs and so many used a cane
Some walked just fine but in their eyes was where I saw the pain

These Heroes have been marked for life all here surrounding me
They've shed their blood while other's died to keep this country free
I still remember stories of a war my dad went through
Each one was told with Army Pride he called it"World War II"

And later"The Korean War"forced troops to say good-bye
Because Korea's North and South could not see eye to eye
Then"Vietnam"decided too raise up it's ugly head
Like all the wars, the damage left so many people dead

When troops came home they had to face another kind of war
A"War of Words"that added wounds as if they needed more
The latest war was televised for all the world to see
Called"Operation Desert Storm"performed so perfectly

This war had ended quickly but our troops cannot forget
They're constantly reminded that the"Storm's"not over yet
These wars do not discriminate religion, sex or race
The bombs, grenades and poison gas take lives we can't replace

And weapons don't have boundaries they claim what's in their way
What will it take to stop these wars right here, right now, today
Our troops are thought so highly of when they are called to war
But when it's over they are not remembered anymore

And what about the one's still lost are they forgotten too?
Is anyone still searching for the one's who fought for you
These men and women suffer more than you will ever know
When war is over they still fight a war that doesn't show

Each one deserves the very best for what they have been through
Your proof is VA Hospitals I'm sure there's one near you
We all want Peace and Harmony but something's always wrong
These buildings might become extinct if we could get along

My husband fought the last two wars, which stole the heart he had
He wears that look of war abuse just like my precious dad
I don't have all the answers but I know one thing for sure
The anger has to leave before a healing can occur

America is free because of Veterans today
And more of them still yet to come will also have to pay
So when you exercise your rights remember"Why"you can
You see, I can't forget because I am"The Veteran"


© By: Freda H. Babinski 9-2-97

I dedicate this to every Veteran, past,
present and future."God Bless You"

Tndeer1

© Copyright 2005 Freda H. Babinski - All Rights Reserved
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
1 posted 2005-06-27 02:13 AM


This should be read outloud on the 4th, to as many Vets as possible. What a wonderful heartbeat you have shared!
Hugs to you, and all the men and women who have given so much.


quote:
And weapons don't have boundaries they claim what's in their way
What will it take to stop these wars right here, right now, today

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
2 posted 2005-06-27 02:23 AM


You are indeed a poet with a mission. Beautiful work. martyjo
Tndeer1
Member
since 2005-06-24
Posts 87
TN. USA
3 posted 2005-06-27 02:24 AM


Your words are very much appreciated. This poem is the one I get the most requests for every yr. I'm always glad to share any of my writings.
Thank You So Much and God Bless!

Tndeer1

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2005-06-27 03:12 PM


And God Bless You for thinking of all
of our service men and women!

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
5 posted 2005-06-29 12:30 PM


Well said...A fantastic flow of words...James
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
6 posted 2005-07-04 11:04 AM


And what better message to read, this day.  Thank you.
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
7 posted 2005-07-04 11:39 AM


oh dear...

I'm misty-eyed

Tndeer1
Member
since 2005-06-24
Posts 87
TN. USA
8 posted 2005-07-05 12:09 PM


Thank You All,
For the comments and the warmth you've shown to this Veteran today. Yes, the last line of this piece is true. I Served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era.
God Bless!

Tndeer1

Jeep Monkey
Member
since 2005-12-18
Posts 96
Chaos
9 posted 2005-12-18 01:24 AM


This is beautifully written.  I volunteer with Widows of Deceased Veterans Foundation (WDVF) - and your writing brings tears to my eyes.  

I'm glad you posted this here.

majnu
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Senior Member
since 2002-10-13
Posts 1088
SF Bay Area
10 posted 2005-12-18 02:21 AM


excellent.

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

froggy
Senior Member
since 2003-06-23
Posts 1893
Michigan
11 posted 2005-12-18 12:34 PM


Tndeer 1

A wonderful words you have composed. I am married to a Veteran myself,know those visits to the hospital.
Thank-you for sharing this.

:-)

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
12 posted 2005-12-19 08:52 PM


An extraordinary write from a heart pierced by life’s most misunderstood reality.
Life and liberty is always at risk, at all times.  Most of us get it.  However, so many live in a fog of an unreal reality through entertainment, “It doesn’t affect me” attitude, “Peace not war”, or “Let someone else do it.”  Sad as it is, we are in a battle to survive as free people every day.  If we were to recall the American military from all foreign countries and have them retire and become civilians, we would be a third world country within an hour.  My respect and sincere thanks to you both for your service to the citizens of this great country, United States of America.  God Bless You!!

JL

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