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Tori Meets A Veteran
| Open Poetry #45 |
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Tori Meets A Veteran |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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 ~*Tori Meets A Veteran *~ I had taken my Granddaughter shopping, And outside the door at our local mall, Stood an old man selling poppies, Though now bent, he once was very tall. I couldn't help but notice As he flashed us a "store-bought" grin, Around his neck hung a box of poppies, For a donation, you got a poppy pin. Normally I'd just hand him my dollar Take the poppy, and go on my way, But Tori tugged on my hand that day, Intent on hearing what he had to say. "My name is Tori, what's your name?", She smiled her sweet smile up at him. "I�m Albert, and I was once a soldier, So I'm selling poppies on a pin." Well,Albert's uniform was now too tight, It reeked of age, and more than one mothball. Bending down to Tori he put on her poppy, Winked at her, and called her a little doll. He said he'd been there for hours, He did this service gladly every year. He had so many war stories to tell, but � His family just didn't seem to want to hear. His pride shone on his medals and buttons As they glinted in the bright afternoon sun. We let him brag about his feats of valor, All the battles he'd been in, and won. Uncles, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, Had done duty for their country, and then some. He said they were now just all fading pictures Tucked away in some old musty family album. For this proud, uniformed man standing there Somehow I couldn't help but feel some pity. Seems a lot of people don't respect this day, Any more in the hustle of a modern day city. This sweet man was someone's grandfather, Who went to war keeping his grand kids free. People were rushing past, ignoring him Not one stopped to buy an offered poppy. I guess all they see is a frail old man, Who chooses to keep living in the past? I even heard a young man remark in passing, "How long is this poppy thing going to last?" Well he had been a respected soldier once, Answering the call to serve a nation, keep it free. He and others went to war for all of us; He stands for the freedom enjoyed by you and me. Today when the world is supposed to stand still While overhead all the war planes go buzzing by, Let's show respect for just 2 minutes, that's all. Stop, and say a little prayer for those who did die. I always think of Tori and Albert on November 11th, And all the things about the wars that he said. He's lived through two wars, lost a leg, and his son, 2 minutes doesn't seem long to honor the dead. Or is it?  Mysteria [This message has been edited by Mysteria (11-12-2009 02:01 AM).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Not too long at all, Sharon. Thank God for them all....and you for writing this. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Wonderful story, Sharon. Bless you and your granddaughter for taking the the time to honor one so deserving. Ida |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
a touching tribute~~ M |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
A wonderful tribute, and a good experience for Tori. I was disappointed that the local store didn't have a Veteran sitting there with poppies. I've always stopped and bought one or more, cannot imagine anyone making a rude remark like the one you heard. Two minutes for a lifetime...is barely enough. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Life is too busy and people forget to appreciate their freedom and who is responsible for it. Two minutes is not enough. This is a good reminder Sharon.  Best wishes and hugs, /Kit |
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Lamar Cole Member
since 2009-05-01
Posts 274 |
Very heart warming and thoughtful. |
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viking_metal Senior Member
since 2007-02-02
Posts 1337In a Jeep, Minnesota. |
Not long at all. Paul I love my dog, and my truck. It's that simple, really. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
A gripping read! It appears that the petal did not fall far from the magnolia tree! Tori is as gentle, kind, caring, and compassionate as her grandmother.  Beautifully told moment worth 'remembering'. Love, Peace, & Harmony, Linda |
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Poetal Member
since 2009-11-09
Posts 74Texas, United States |
Well written in great form and wow what a story line. Thanks for the good work. AL AL Inmon |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
You are all very kind with your comments. This is an old one I wrote when Tori was little. Time has a way of changing everyone, including a very curious, tolerant, and adorable little toddler. Now 11, she is taller than me, talks more, but still, has maintained her very compassionate side, like her Daddy. This was a true story by the way, but the paper removed the photo I guess I used to link to, as the link was broken when I went to re-post this for this year. I know a lot of people just see this as a day off, but when you have had family who served in two world wars, and their pride was something you grew up with, the longer it goes, the more respect for them you feel. I like the words, "Veterans Day" better than "Remembrance Day" as this seems to just be an ongoing war every single day if you ask me.  |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Well he had been a respected soldier once, Answering the call to serve a nation, keep it free. He and others went to war for all of us; He stands for the freedom enjoyed by you and me. Dear Sharon, they are heart touching words my dear about a very poignant subject and you wrote it so well. one of your best.Love and a big warm hug. Lindsay |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
May "this poppy thing" last forever... we should never forget. So many sacrifice so that others have the freedom to be jerks. Beautiful moving poem!! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sharon....There is so much to be learned from the young and the old. A lovely story is here in this poem. |
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