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The Horrible Crime...reposted for the challenge
| Open Poetry #7 |
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The Horrible Crime...reposted for the challenge |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The courthouse room was overflowed that early day in May. The people came from miles around and traveled night and day With hatred burning in their breasts, they drove with scarcely any rest To see the boy who broke the law and now would have to pay. It wasn't that his act of crime had sounded so displeasin' For blowing up a power plant appeared to have no reason And, in another time or place, it would have been a 'curious' case But, being in a war-time state, 'twas called an act of treason. The Daily News had spread the rage and called the boy a spy And all the world was startled at the popular outcry That stretched from Oregon to Maine. A wounded nation called in pain That, for his act of sabotage, the guilty boy must die. The room was tense and quiet as each witness testified Against the youthful figure with no lawyer by his side. If he'd shown sorrow he just might have found a friendly face that night But he showed nothing and whatever chance he held had died. As the trial neared to a close the judge said, "Stand, my son. We find it very hard to understand what you have done. Unless you have an explanation for this cruel act against our nation, If you would like a chance to speak, then take your final one." "Hard to understand?", the boy spoke with a voice of hate. "If you are here to sentence me that you're a little late! My sentencing has long been done by God and every mother's son, I've been condemned before, your Honor, by the hand of Fate." His words invited insults from an audience unkind Who, left unchecked, would probably have grabbed him from behind Until the sad truth hit their eyes and they began to realize As he addressed the jury that their saboteur was blind. "They call me un-American", he smiled. "A cruel fame For one who fought in foreign lands to save his country's name. While serving in the infantry, I traded sight for victory - How many of the people here would stand and do the same?" "When I returned from overseas I didn't plan to see A Broadway Avenue parade in honor just for me But just a chance to start again within the ranks of normal men A new beginning in the land that I had helped keep free." "But every avenue I chose led to a closing door My handicap was viewed by others like an open sore. Instead of opportunity, a grateful nation handed me A welfare check stuck in my hand and food stamps for the store." How quick the land forgets the hand that helped to plant the seed! Are we to be disgraced because we fought when there was need? Or did our strength show other men the weaknesses they have within, Remind them that they.owe a debt to patriots like me?" "I felt I should return the honor to my fellow men And let them have a first-hand look at what my gift had been. Late one night I pulled the spark that put the city in the dark And made them see what I can see - for that I am condemned." A pin dropped would have echoed in there like a cannon's roar As pairs of feet were shuffling and eyes stared at the floor For each man knew he had been named and each felt burdened by the shame And each man feared the Maker he would have to stand before. The jury didn't leave the room. "Not Guilty!"was their cry. The foreman said, "I will not hang a better man than I." The gallery, threatened with removal, sounded out their strong approval And, possibly, a teardrop fell from that young soldier's eye. The judge stood up and smiled at him amid the cries and cheers He said, "Young man, you have been found not guilty by your peers." And, after thinking hard and long, his judgement came out loud and strong - He set the young boy free and gave Society thirty years! [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 04-28-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, You always amaze me. I can only give you a bravo. Sy |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
So many Vets learned to deal with this ... and others never will ... Is it so hard for people to see that these fallen men needed a hand up ... not a hand out Home Run Balladeer two thumbs up Rex}>{{{{o> |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Balladeer, No words I could type here would do this poem justice. So I'll simply say a BIG THANK YOU!!!! All my love, Jeffrey I lie awake in a world filled with dreams, but dreams can be so real when you don't know you're asleep |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Sy...."only"? A bravo from you is gold, my friend. Rex....ya can't say it better than that...a hand up..not a hand out. Thank you. Jeffrey...big thank you's are more than enough. Those who served are the ones deserving of them. Being one and speaking for the rest, I thank you. |
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bboog Member
since 2000-02-29
Posts 303Valencia, California |
B~ This is a poem that kids in high school should be required to read. We, as a society, don't express enough gratitude for the veterans who sacrificed their lives by serving their country. best regards, bboog [This message has been edited by bboog (edited 04-29-2000).] |
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netswan Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369Washington |
Balladeer I applaud you -- this is superb! netswan Oh, all right - it brought tears to my eyes! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
bboog...correct you are. Their was the intended word. I had also used "Now quick the land..." instead of "How quick the land". My thanks for the keen eye. netswan..and I thank you for your sincere comments  |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ Beautifully done. I've met and talked with men who have had the same experience with the cold shoulder, the handouts ... everything but the respect that they so rightly deserved. Draft Dodgers were 'forgiven' long before the soldiers who served in 'Nam. The men of all wars are to be held in honor. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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hsystems Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319Murray, UT, USA |
Balladeer - WOW! This is superb! A powerful message, delivered with eloquence and grace. Thank you for sharing this jewel!  Troy Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
A wonderful poem... it's sad how we treat our vets, after all they've done for us. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This one brought me to tears again. Excellent writing. I'll ditto the bravo! Denise |
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A Romantic Heart Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-03
Posts 5496Forever In Your Heart |
They should be honored more than one day...for our freedom we have now we owe to all of them...I love that song..."Some Gave All" |
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