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Balladeer
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0 posted 2006-11-11 07:56 AM



I try to repost this every Veteran's Day in rememberance. It's not necessary for those of you who have seen it over the years to respond. You
have responded many times and I am grateful for every one. It's just my tradition...
.
.
    
.
.


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 an 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 2006 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
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displaced
1 posted 2006-11-11 07:59 AM


thank you
Elizabeth Santos
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since 1999-11-08
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Pennsylvania
2 posted 2006-11-11 08:51 AM



And I read it, and I read it
ANd I havae read it to others
A masterpiece
One of my favorite of ALL poems I have ever read

Liz

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2006-11-11 08:53 AM



Thank you 'Deer.

Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile~
                                    

Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
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Tamarac Fla
4 posted 2006-11-11 08:57 AM


Balladeer
This is by far my favorite of yours.

Decaflame
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since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635

5 posted 2006-11-11 10:09 AM



Not respond?  Not say, "thank you?"

It's our tradition, too, Sir.


Marsha
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Maidstone Kent England
6 posted 2006-11-11 12:31 PM


'Deer darling man, and a fine tradition it is too, I have a tradition too, it is to reread this poem whenever I can, because not only is it a fabulously well written poem, it also, and just as importantly in my opinion, relates a scene that clarifies the truth about war. It also defines true heroism, add to that anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing your mellifluous tone reading this, cannot deny the power this piece has to move a soul.

Love and warm stuff
as always
Mushy

Tomorrow is another day I don't know what it holds
but I can face the future with courage brave and bold

Footprints In My Heart
Kethry

Kethry
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since 2000-07-29
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Victoria Australia
7 posted 2006-11-11 12:46 PM


Everytime I read this...EVERYTIME, I get something from it. Thank you dear man. Unfortunately I slept though our remembrance service, but as I'd been travelling for more than three days I hope I can be forgiven just this once.

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown


[This message has been edited by Kethry (11-12-2006 09:11 PM).]

Balladeer
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8 posted 2006-11-11 06:28 PM


Thank you,old friends. I don't mean OLD but....well, on second thought, I don't see any spring chickens here. Hey, we're not old....we're VETERANS!

I appreciate your kind words and all of the support you have shown over the years. I hope you all had a wonderful day.

latearrival
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since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
9 posted 2006-11-11 07:54 PM


Deer, you know that I could not let this go by with out reading it again. Had the pleasure of going to a reunion of the Sailors and Marines who served on the U.S.S. Houston this Sept. Met some wonderful survivors of World War 11 and the battle of Leyte. My heart melted as these brave veterans recounted stories I had never heard because my husband did not choose to tell them. Bless you again for your wonderful poetry. martyjo
DreamerSpirit
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since 2006-10-02
Posts 240
Buenos Aires, Argentina
10 posted 2006-11-12 12:13 PM


First time i've read it..since i entered this year..but it impressed me a lot,
it has a lot of feeling and it made me cry a little...just excellent, i really loved it.
Denis.

Balladeer
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11 posted 2006-11-12 01:12 AM


martyjo, that must have been quite an experience....and I can imagine their chests puffed out and their eyes twinkling as they recounted the times. Thanks for sharing...

Denis...I thank you for being moved by the words. Best to you..

Titia Geertman
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since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
12 posted 2006-11-12 03:17 AM


Exactly what Mushy said. I never forget Poet's night in New Port Richie, listening to your voice. You should make a recording, like you did with some of your other poems.

I wrote a new poem for Veterans day, about Flanders fields of poppies red and the trenches of the IJzer line in Belgium, but I think I posted it a bit too early.

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Poet deVine
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13 posted 2006-11-12 03:59 AM


Thank you. This poem never fails to make me cry.
Margherita
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since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
14 posted 2006-11-12 06:50 AM


Unbearably moving! No, no Mother would have her son live such an experience.
But that this boy did not die alone is comforting and that his story was recorded in this way is a gift too.

Truly an outstanding piece of poetry!

Love,
Margherita

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
15 posted 2006-11-12 07:40 AM


Always a pleasure to read again and to remember a most pleasant time in Florida.


M

rhia_5779
Senior Member
since 2006-06-09
Posts 1334
California
16 posted 2006-11-12 09:16 AM


I have to add this to my library. Oh my god! One of the best pieces of work I have ever read I think.Wow. My first time reading it, but I glad I  stopped by open and clicked this thread. Thank you very much for posting it this year.

Sadly I am in italy otherwise I would have been able to go to a Veterans service. I was in school all day and not able to pay tribute to the heroes of those times.  

One more comment my summing up of this poem.

Alot of hero in a single soldier.

SmartChick
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since 2001-09-23
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On A Journey To The Unknown
17 posted 2006-11-12 01:39 PM


Hey, my dearest friend, Mr. Balladeer, I loved this when I first read it. And, I love it now. I hope you are doing well. I think of you often. And, I am still working on that Iambic Pentameter. Some day, I just might get it.
Magnus
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18 posted 2006-11-12 03:53 PM


You know...you know I did...and yes,  It
brought a tear to my eyes...has never failed
yet to do so.

serenity blaze
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19 posted 2006-11-12 05:36 PM


and I will toss roses, every time.
Sunshine
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20 posted 2006-11-12 06:37 PM



...and wear poppies, even if not the season.



Well done, Poet.


Mistletoe Angel
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21 posted 2006-11-12 07:21 PM




(angel friendship and support hugs for all military families) This is a most heartfelt, emotional dedication, dearest friend, as I too honor you and your family who has made this brave, noble sacrifice for this country, which glistens from sea to shining sea through such dedication.



Though I have and always will honor our brave young men and women in uniform, this Veterans Day has been an especially emotional one for me, as this is the first Veterans Day since my cousin Jeremy Shank was killed September 6th in Balad, Iraq, who was a corporal on a dismounted security patrol when he encountered enemy forces using small arms.

Every day his family is in my heart and prayers, and exactly why, as producer of the KBOO Evening News, I believe it's crucial that our young men and women in uniform deserve to know that they inspire us back home, and that's why I balance the newscast between airing the ugly truths of the war in general with the wonderful, positive things our young men and women do for communities all across Iraq. I've aired stories about six elementary and middle schools being remodeled and reopened in Kirkuk thanks to on-ground efforts by U.S soldiers, stories about new health care facilities being opened by troops in the Wassit Province, stories about this new new surgical and pregnancy wing in northern Baghdad, about this deaf 3-year old Iraqi girl named Amina being taken to Miami by Army Special Forces doctor Col. Warner Anderson, so she can receive a cochlear implant that has helped her hear again. And I've consistently aired stories like these since I first started volunteering there.

Anyway, I went out in support of the veterans yestersay by participating in the 32nd Annual Veterans Day Parade in northeast Portland. They had Oregon's only living winner of the Medal of Honor, Robert Maxwell, as the parade's grand marshal, who threw himself on a hand grenade in World War II and saved many lives and kept military communications operating through that noble act. (wipes tear) That was just one of many moving stories and sights of the day.

(angel friendship hugs) The times continue to change, but the courageous spirits who have graciously served this nation will never be forgotten, and I know these wonderful, compassionate words will forever prevail against the tests of time! (sigh) God Bless You, dearest friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton


"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other"

Mother Teresa

Balladeer
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22 posted 2006-11-12 10:30 PM


Titia.....ask and you shall receive... http://media.putfile.com/Small-Pain-in-my-Chest .  I will look for your poem. Thank you, Dutchie!

Poet deVine....thanks for your support for all these years.

Margherita....Yes, the soldiers are not the only victims. Their families are, also. I appreciate your kind words.

Maureen...a most pleasant time indeed. It would be great to repeat it someday!

rhia....I'm glad you stopped by, too! Italy or not,  you can celebrate the day in your mind, which I'm sure you did.

Hey, Sue!...I think of you also and hope things are well with you. You will get that Iambic....I know you will!

Serenity......I know. I have  a hanky

Sunshine...Flanders Field is beautiful this time of year...

Noah.....your cousin, and thousands like him, are what this day is all about. I grieve for your loss and salute your own patriotism and dedication to your country.

aziza
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Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
23 posted 2006-11-12 10:50 PM


:: Sits quietly ::

aziza
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since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
24 posted 2006-11-12 11:06 PM


I was so moved by this poem that I had to wander away to absorb it.

It lingers.

Alison

divine chaos
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since 2006-07-09
Posts 617
dancing 'neath the moon
25 posted 2006-11-13 08:28 AM


Balladeer,

I've read this before when I've searched out your writings here .. it touched me deeply then, and touches me now as I read it again.  Words seem so lacking .. this is beautiful, an amazing tribute.

Thank you for sharing
and remembering

~*Sheli*~

Earth Angel
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Realms of Light
26 posted 2006-11-13 09:55 AM


...and what a fine tradition it be! Mike, it is always a privilege to read it!

Love, Harmony, & Peace,

Linda

TinaTrivett
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since 2006-07-15
Posts 569

27 posted 2006-11-13 11:14 AM


What a wonderful...so VERY moving piece. Wow.
Christopher
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Purgatorial Incarceration
28 posted 2006-11-13 11:37 AM


Still my favorite, Mike.

Thank you.

Chris

suthern
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Louisiana
29 posted 2006-11-17 04:33 PM


I wasn't in a place where I could read this when you posted it... but it was in my thoughts... and is always in my heart.

Being me, I was as ready to get home as I'd been to go on vacation... and wishing I'd chosen an earlier flight. But... I'm glad that wishing was for naught... for if my impatience had been rewarded, I would have missed one of the most touching moments of my trip.

We remember... and most of us do so with respect. But in London, where many buildings still show the scars of shelling... people really do STOP to remember. I was in Gatwick airport... as noisy and busy a place as could be... which made the complete silence following the bell's toll even more dramatic. And having just lost my favorite veteran last year... I'm so glad I was there for that incredibly poignant moment.

Don't ever apologize for posting this... many of us wait for it, even knowing we'll be reading the last lines through tears.

Balladeer
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30 posted 2006-11-17 11:55 PM


aziza.....thank you so much for absorbing the feeling behind the words.

divine chaos....thank you for the kind  words....and for searching me out

Earth Angel....and it'salwaysa privilege for me  that you do, sweet lady.

Christopher......still means a lot to me, Chris

Tina.....My thanks to you for being moved.

Suthern gal....I know exactly what you mean. I have been over there at that exact moment and there is no other silence like it, is there? Nice to see your words again and i thank you

trutodaraiders
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since 2006-12-02
Posts 820
CA
31 posted 2006-12-05 05:30 PM


I was just surfing along and I ran into this poem. It stopped me. I think I read it over about 4 times. I see why this is your tradition. This was just an awsome poem

Poetry is just the evidence of life.
If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. "
Leon Cohen~



Roniece Dawson-Bruce
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since 2000-01-29
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Sydney, Australia
32 posted 2006-12-05 10:23 PM


oh my this is my first read of this beautiful poem....it is simply stunning and very heartfelt... thank you!

RDB

Toerag
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Ala bam a
33 posted 2006-12-06 07:45 AM


Very few can write like this...very few have the ability to take you to places you've been without leaving a computer monitor...
Alison
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Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
34 posted 2011-06-16 11:45 PM


and a bump for this ...


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