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longte
Member
since 2005-04-06
Posts 199
Australia

0 posted 2005-11-19 02:08 AM


The Soldier

There he stands in uniform; strong and proud and bold
Epitome of manhood, yet just nineteen years old
Strong proud and arrogant, boot camp has done that
Everything is shiny from boots to badge on cap

Insolent in many ways for he’s a different breed
Earnest young marine, to fill his countries need
First to California where girls are mighty fine
Drink their beer from jugs; only poofs drink wine

Home on leave you see him, leader in the making
Off now to Iraq, yet few risks will be taking
Re-enlists while over there, can’t say the reason why
Been involved in fighting, knows that he might die

Doesn’t bother going home, nothing for him there
He has looked death in the eye; he has felt real fear
Next tour is a bad one, watches many buddies die
Now a very different looked etched into his eyes

Two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, take him from the fight
Send him home to tell the people what we do is right
Put him in dress uniform, parade before the crowds
No longer the young man who once stood strong and proud

A waiter drops a plate and the soldier hits the floor
Eyes a haunted microcosm of the things he saw
Sleep was once so beautiful, now it twists and turns
Raging acid memories, deep within him burn

Now he’s out of uniform, no longer strong and bold
Shattered illusion of a man, just twenty-three years old

..
.

Live It

© Copyright 2005 P.Nicholson - All Rights Reserved
inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
1 posted 2005-11-19 01:46 PM


I saw this happen to a young man during the Viet Nam War "conflict".  No medals did he bring home, just the nightmares.
You have worded this very well.

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
2 posted 2005-11-19 02:08 PM


LongTe~
Yes ... doesn't happen to all ...
but you've certainly word-painted a portraiture of some~
HEROES ALL~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*No matter what I search for ...
let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))><

Email -   noles1@totcon.com   

Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
3 posted 2005-11-20 12:49 PM


War certainly does leave its mark, seen and unseen.  This is very well rendered.  Joyce
Ringo
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Member Elite
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684
Saluting with misty eyes
4 posted 2005-11-20 11:01 PM


I saw my father go through this... very well done.

I'll make my own mistakes and sweet success
I'm not here to recreate your yesterday's best
One by one when it's done half the fun is getting there-

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
5 posted 2005-11-21 12:10 PM



Those who choose to serve...
serve well, and live hard.

For today it is a choice.

Yesterday, it wasn't...but still...
you spoke for all who have served
our country.

Thank you, longte....

I appreciate this gift of patriotism....
it is never easy on anyone.

If not for them?  Where would we be?

silverwind
Junior Member
since 2005-12-07
Posts 37
that place over there
6 posted 2005-12-17 05:28 PM


There's a great deal of truth in what you have written
silverwind

Annie78
Member
since 2003-10-03
Posts 469
here then there then back here
7 posted 2005-12-18 04:30 PM


i was married to a man who lived the vietnam
nightmare, and i now have a son who is in iraq...both have been exactly what you describe in this penning. i know many young men and women who are serving their county here and in iraq so that we might be able to sleep at night without the terror of what they see in their dreams. this is an excellent penning and know the truth of what
you have written.
Annie

there is but a short time to exist, love,laugh,live and never stop believing in miracles

midnightblues
Senior Member
since 2000-07-01
Posts 1597
Singapore
8 posted 2005-12-19 11:06 AM


I liked that your writing evoked lots of emotions in me..

Love
MiCheLLe

If there cannot be equal in affection, then let the one with more be me - midnightblues

shades of paul
Member
since 2005-12-14
Posts 370
In Reality
9 posted 2005-12-19 09:06 PM


LOVED YOUR POEM,VERY SAD FOR THESE VETERANS.
WHAT THEY HEAR AND SEE MUST BE A LIVING NIGHTMARE.WAR,WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR ? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING......PAUL

shades of paul,peace,love,and happiness

longte
Member
since 2005-04-06
Posts 199
Australia
10 posted 2005-12-20 01:23 AM


Thankyou all for your comments

So many poems glorify war, but I don't see the glory in it anymore
..
.

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
11 posted 2005-12-22 02:45 AM


Feeling this  deeply. Thank you, martyjo
junemac
Senior Member
since 2003-04-24
Posts 1005
uk
12 posted 2005-12-22 03:13 PM


Excellent and very moving write. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Hugs June x

coyote
Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077

13 posted 2005-12-26 01:16 PM


Dittos on the nightmares.

Well written verse.

coyote 8)

"Only the dead, have seen the end of war."
Plato

pictureme2
Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194

14 posted 2005-12-28 10:58 PM


I felt the emotion and realness of this.
War is always sad! Wishing I could send the soldier and the world peace!
Sometimes the best wish I can send is rest in peace! Such a very touching poem!
thanks for sharing,
pictureme2

Savannah
New Member
since 2005-12-29
Posts 3
Ny,US
15 posted 2005-12-29 11:05 PM


My boyfriends father was in Vietnam and his wife told me that when he got back the smallest noise would set him off. She said they couldn't go to a restaurant or any place for that matter with out him falling to the ground and screaming Army things. So I sent this poem to her and she said it made her cry just remembering all the things she went through and all the pain he went through. She wanted me to tell you she loved it and will keep it forever.
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