Christmas Leave .... 1967 - pipTalk Forums

How to Join	Member's Area	Private Library	Search	Sanctuary		Login
Main Forums	Discussion	Tech Talk	Mature Content	Archives	A home without a wall, Our haven without ends, A circle we all call Our Family of Friends!

RMW
Senior Member

since 2001-03-21

Posts 1424

0 posted 2001-04-18 11:37 PM

Christmas Leave .... 1967

Jungle war was on the news.
And so were bells. I heard the toll
And then a jingle.
As I bent down to brush my shoes
A holiday commercial
Interrupted the tingle of artillery.
I spit, as I was trained to do,
Then rubbed my life out,
Hoping it would re-appear,
First at the heel,
Then somewhere forward
Near the toe.
And though I never could get quite the glow
Expected of Marines on leave,
I shined my soul into those shoes,
Preparing them
For midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

RMW

gremlin
Junior Member

since 2001-04-18

Posts 25
NY, USA

1 posted 2001-04-19 12:36 PM

Damn, very deep poem!

I enjoy your work.
Thank you.

Stan

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate

since 2000-10-29

Posts 19200
Between the Lines

2 posted 2001-04-19 05:24 AM

I shined my soul into those shoes,
Preparing them
For midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

I remember that year very well for many reasons, one of which was I graduated from high school then..I read each of your poems this morning...war reminders are not always the best. huggzzz

~Wynter/M

"The worst prison would be a closed heart".
...Pope John Paul II

Lady In White

Member Elite

since 2001-02-12

Posts 2799
USA

3 posted 2001-04-19 06:16 AM

You have most articulately captured the essence of a Marine, and his feelings, of a time, and a place...

and most certainly, of a man's heart.

Just A Woman
Senior Member

since 2001-03-10

Posts 507

4 posted 2001-04-19 09:02 AM

I love your reflections on this time in your life, Bob. A wonderful read. ~smiling~

"I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one."

Corinne
Member Ascendant

since 1999-10-28

Posts 5167
state of confusion

5 posted 2001-04-19 03:15 PM

Powerful stuff here, Bob. The two contrasts, stark.

Corinne

Fading Away

Member Elite

since 2001-03-14

Posts 3131
Lynchburg, Virginia

6 posted 2001-04-19 04:07 PM

This is a very poweful piece you've got here. I enjoyed the read very much. Thanks for sharing.

--Marie

subconsciously, i think i can eat so much to make my stomach hurt, instead of my heart.

Interloper

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-06

Posts 8369
Deep in the heart

7 posted 2001-04-19 04:10 PM

Again, Semper Fi, marine.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

8 posted 2004-10-14 12:18 PM

Today seems to be the right time to bring this one back to the frontlines.

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

9 posted 2004-10-14 01:01 PM

I'm glad Kacy brought this one back...I seem to have missed it...it is very touching, Bob, very!

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

10 posted 2004-12-08 03:17 PM

I heated mine. Was never keen on the spitting.

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

	⇧ top of page ⇧
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.