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Open Poetry #36
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1slick_lady
Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088
standing on a shadow's lace

0 posted 2005-08-17 03:27 PM



Twenty Years Of A Life

the war changed him
fault of memories
he can not forget
twenty years of a life
and now I taste his tears
pulling at strings knotting
things I try to pull together
listening to places and people
I never have been
or ever will meet
this and me holds like a secret
to pushing and pulling on fingertips
one meant to be unshared
two hearts of purple that bleed
and two bronze stars still shining
hide amid the darkness and green
of medals ankle deep in a closet
stranger to a land called home
together we read of others
like him hurting too in flashing
bold black and white print
waiting for the promise of quiet
and the help is owned by no one
where yesterday is flooded daily
brought back by ordinary things
and the quiet again disappears
for he is a silent broken hero
and I fear not the only one
powerlessly I am unable
to help the other ones
I listen and wait unconditionally
where tears well up in my throat
that at times I can hardly speak
and hold on to what is left of him
the best part

just some words cut out
from the diary of my heart



© Copyright 2005 Helen Chambers - All Rights Reserved
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

1 posted 2005-08-17 03:29 PM


Oh damn Helen, this is such a moving write.
Heart hugs to all...

yesterday is gone
tomorrow doesn't exist

Nightshade
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
2 posted 2005-08-17 03:59 PM


Very sad, yet true of many of our service men and women. Well done Helen. hugs, Chris

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
~Carl Sandburg

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2005-08-17 04:23 PM


Helen

Very touching of sensitive subject...beautifully written from the heart.

Bodger
Senior Member
since 2005-06-12
Posts 1260
Tolerance for a short time
4 posted 2005-08-17 04:52 PM


Very true and very good words

Bodger

Startime55
Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada
5 posted 2005-08-17 04:59 PM


Oh my gosh this poem tears at the heart...*big hugs*

vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
6 posted 2005-08-17 05:00 PM


nice read
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
7 posted 2005-08-17 05:25 PM


Helen, you know I pray
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