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Open Poetry #39
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Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma

0 posted 2006-11-21 11:43 AM




~The Morning After~

Applause breaks out at the dawning start from deep
within the many beating hearts; some are anxiously-
contorting to see the yellow orb, twinkling, through
the dense triple canopy. Yesterday's chilling screams,
and the smell of burnt flesh, sizzling, has subsided.
Men rousing, C-rat browsing, blood soaked gauze,
with no mention of any cause; above essence of self,
what glares from the Wall: are those eleven ponchos
that lie in plain view; bathing with the morning dew;
silently whispering a language that only they knew.

Arouse, pausing for them to awaken; surely they are
just sleeping, eerily surreal waiting for the prank and
leaping, but they remain quietly still, lined properly
in formation - even keel. The covering remains inert,
a snapshot that lingers, the shutter frozen, with the
trickling fingers succumbing to gravity's entice; the
tiny puddles racing, merging and colliding, vanishing
into the thirsty soil, filtering through the dry, crimson,
stain, alongside future descendants: forever in vain.

Fighting back cares, as the Huey vibrates above the
trees, creating a hurricane size breeze; time to say
good bye and promises to seize: "When I glimpse
the angelic silhouettes cutting my, frazzled, rotten fa-
tigues, feel the soft, clean, snow white linen, and the
virgin smell of those divine, pearly sheets, that wrap
my filthy torso: I'll doff to your valor with a tear my
brother, then the magical thief will cradle me home,
where childhood joy still clings to innocent dreams."

Over seventy wounded, that boarded the choppers,
saluting those brave young men cut down. Though
they be forgotten by the many, even before they lay
beneath the shroud; gnawing echo's of "Di bo chet,"
stir deep within the bowels, rallying the spirits of the
warriors, who lived and fought with them that bout.
Our souls in unison burst out with a shout : "That the
very atoms will split, if we should fail, exploding right-
eous truth about those loyal, trusted, pals, judging us
that day, when every comrade's knee shall bow."

Laughing grandchildren commemorating your cour-
age, redirect focus back to the names on the black
rock's face. 'The Walking Dead' belated reunion of
hand shakes and hugs, one of the highest forms of
human communion, declares to all around: "that your
lives are forever etched into our conscious crown,
as much a part of us, as the blood that fills our veins;
flowing as the mighty river until the last drop is drain-
ed. You shall never be forgotten as long as there is
breath contained. We honor and pay tribute to your
ultimate sacrifice arranged, and glory in the celebra-
tions of life that you claimed for us in the exchange."

____________________

Semper Fidelis

TP


© Copyright 2006 Pressie - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2006-11-21 02:05 PM


Pressie~

'I'll doff to your valor with a tear my
brother, then the magical thief will cradle me home'


Such a very moving tribute~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -         noles1@totcon.com     

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
2 posted 2006-11-21 03:13 PM



"You shall never be forgotten as long as there is
breath contained."

so powerful Pressie

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
3 posted 2006-11-21 05:54 PM


Thank you Marge and The Lady for your kind remarks!

It was/is a wrenching piece to write. I dearly wish that I had the skill to write it without including so many cliches. But it is what it is, a never ending write that always seems to find a way to pull me back into that Wall.

Semper Fi

TP

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
4 posted 2006-11-21 07:20 PM


Pressie~

Oh dear poet ... you have the skill for poignant word spill ... this is perfect just as it is~

I have touched the wall ... and you have brought the memories back~
I pause in quiet reflect ... thank you for that~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -         noles1@totcon.com     

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

5 posted 2006-11-21 07:25 PM


I have been there, I remember how the chill ran through me then as it just did now when reading your words.  I have a picture I took when I was there of a soldiers boot filled with flowers that brings tears to my eyes every time I gaze upon it.  


Thank you so much for this one, sir. I do enjoy reading you.

seek the flame within yourself
and let your soul be cleansed by
the fire of love.  Axel Ekenstierna

seraphin
Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1004
Michigan
6 posted 2006-11-21 07:42 PM


You have roused me from my silence, pulled me from the shadows, and touched my mind and heart.
This is a wonderfully crafted work of love.
A must read for all.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Sandra

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
7 posted 2006-11-21 08:16 PM


You are so gifted and blessed Marge!
Thank you for the uplifting words of encouragement!

Thank you Sandra for those warm and kind remarks!

Donna, I almost posted the picture below as the header photo.



Thank you all for joining me on that trip across the sea, to that place where only angels can truly see.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
8 posted 2006-11-21 08:21 PM


...

It is hard to find words after reading this Sir.
A most powerful write!!

Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile~
                                    

Nightshade
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Posts 13962
just out of reach
9 posted 2006-11-21 08:24 PM


Very touching and written with honour from your heart. Wonderful. hugs, Chris

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

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
10 posted 2006-11-21 08:39 PM


Pressie
Death has a timeless face
On that, I rest my case
I have held death in my arms
Never found a proper psalm.

Thank you for this write.

Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
11 posted 2006-11-21 08:43 PM


Terry~
I'm back to tell you that I have just begun to read at your web site ... you need to share the link with all of us here ... by adding it to your PiP Profile~
(I'm part detective ... so I found it)

What talent from your heart~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -         noles1@totcon.com     

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
12 posted 2006-11-21 08:46 PM



Thanks you lady Enchantress and Nightshade ..your words honor the write.

"I have held death in my arms
Never found a proper psalm."

Yes, Seymour....so true.

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
13 posted 2006-11-21 08:54 PM


Pressie

I'm sorry, I have no words that work.

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
14 posted 2006-11-21 08:57 PM


" I have just begun to read at your web site ... you need to share the link with all of us here ... by adding it to your PiP Profile~
(I'm part detective ... so I found it)"

Marge,

Maybe someday....there is so much that needs to be edited, that needs to be revised, and a whole load needs to be taken offline that truthfully is so sophomoric that it shouldn't have been posted to start with: Sic ad nauseam.

There is much work to do and "miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep."


wredgranny
Member
since 2006-11-18
Posts 493
Ky. USA
15 posted 2006-11-21 09:47 PM


Laughing grandchildren commemorating your cour-
age, redirect focus back to the names on the black
rock's face. 'The Walking Dead' belated reunion of
hand shakes and hugs, one of the highest forms of
human communion, declares to all around: "that your
lives are forever etched into our conscious crown,
as much a part of us, as the blood that fills our veins;
flowing as the mighty river until the last drop is drain-
ed. You shall never be forgotten as long as there is
breath contained. We honor and pay tribute to your
ultimate sacrifice arranged, and glory in the celebra-
tions of life that you claimed for us in the exchange."


~AHO~ Pressie it still breaks my heart today remembering all these went through,never asking to go to that place but doing their duty to home and country with honor,only to come home to revilement and hatred they did not deserve. My husband spent three long years in that place,only to come home and be shot in the street.My brother two years,and wakes screaming to this day soaking wet and scared to death wanting to know where are his friends? May we forever honor the Warrior,no matter how much we hate the wars!


  granny!

MsSouthernOrchid
Member
since 2003-07-12
Posts 192

16 posted 2006-11-21 10:11 PM


Pressie,
    This is such a beautiful tribute, it really touched my heart.

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
17 posted 2006-11-21 10:18 PM


Martie

Simply, knowing that you took the time to respond is much appreciated!

granny, I find no words worthy enough to make a response to your moving post.

Per aspera ad astra

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
18 posted 2006-11-21 10:21 PM


Thank you MsSouthernOrchid,

That is very kind of you to say!

Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
19 posted 2006-11-21 11:23 PM


Pressie:  I'm so glad I got to read this! It's a wonderfully moving tribute and I wish everyone could read it! Thanks for posting it here.

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
20 posted 2006-11-21 11:34 PM


Thank you Betty Lou, I appreciate the warm sentiment.


passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
21 posted 2006-11-22 12:13 PM


Pressie, I read this when you first put it up...and several times after...and still I don't know what to say

I couldn't let it go without saying something though

A poem begins with a lump in the throat.
~Robert Frost

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
22 posted 2006-11-22 12:19 PM


"still I don't know what to say"

Fair enough Dixie, sometimes things are better left unsaid.

Just about bed time here, sweet dreams ps.                 

PEBBLES
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 69
South Australia, Australia
23 posted 2006-11-22 02:53 AM


With total respect and admiration I applaud you, and can only ditto the comments already written. Heart felt thanks to Marge for alerting me to this wonderful ink. VERY BEST WISHES, Helen. [from down under].
Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
24 posted 2006-11-22 08:40 AM


Thanks Helen for sharing your thoughts on the piece!

And welcome to the Blue Pages!

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
25 posted 2006-11-22 06:01 PM


Touching words~~We lost friends...and my husband served as a Marine in the late 60's..this and news on today's war bring back memories...
M

Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
26 posted 2006-11-22 06:31 PM


nakdthoughts,

This is a particularly rough time of year for those of us who have lost love ones, friends, comrades,etc.

I served in the 1st Bn., 9th Marine Reg., 3rd Mar Div. in 68-69 as a FO (Forward Observer).

Over a four year period, from June 16, 1965 to July 14, 1969, the Battalion endured the Longest sustained combat and suffered the Highest Killed In Action (KIA) rate in USMC history.

The Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., honors the supreme sacrifice of 737 Marines of the Battalion who are etched on its face.

Thanks for the comments and tell your husband I said: Semper Fi



JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
27 posted 2006-11-25 02:46 AM


Wonderful writing...James
Pressie
Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157
Oklahoma
28 posted 2006-11-25 09:34 AM


Thank you James!

Semper Fidelis

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