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Open Poetry #16
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Waiting for the Call.....
| Open Poetry #16 |
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Waiting for the Call..... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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He sits there at the kitchen table In the solitude Somber eyes reflect the depth Of melancholy mood.. No sound intrudes to break the spell Of stillness in the night..... Alone he sits attentively Preparing for the fight. His hands are filled with wrinkles now His cheeks are furrowed deep.. A small tear streaks down gnarly face Of one who never weeps. His spine is upright as he sits With small phone by his side... Mind races back to years ago When many thousands died. He feels the rock of landing craft From movement of the sea As bullets whiz by overhead From shores on Normandy... On Iwo Jima he recalls Tears falling from his eye To watch Old Glory proudly stand Against the eastern sky. Now all he sees are images From television screen His mind still keen enough to know What falling buildings mean... His country will soon be at war To save democracy And keep the world the kind of place Whre man can still live free. He sits there waiting, Khaki-clad, A gold bar on his cap A Browning rifle by his side And helmet on his lap.. Senility has weakened him Though you won't see him fall.. He sits there waiting......ready For his President to call.... |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
I loved this! How true it is that the heart stills holds to beliefs the body can no longer fulfill. Thanks. Rae |
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Heather Miller Member
since 2000-07-19
Posts 409Bryan, Ohio USA |
Very Very good :-) I always enjoy your work. LITL, Heather (aka CherokeeGirl) Without the experiance of love where would we be? We would have no memories to cherish. |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
yes michael... he is sitting there... and i talked to him tonight.... a boy, 19, just waiting for his ship, perhaps a flight, a navy poet, beautiful, his heart and soul, a treat, just sitting counting seconds 'til his call is called... complete with awesome recollections and a wisdom twice his age, i talked to him..... he's waiting while the world is in enrage he counts the seconds, minutes, hours, until a time for call.... and here i pray for all of him and us and them and all the all of us while thanking him and praising human strength, resiliance and the brilliance of the light'ning and the length of courage and commitment to the never ending vow to fight to save the lives of all who live..... and Peace, somehow (thank you, michael, for your beautiful poem and for your acceptance of allowing me to tag on to it with my heart.... as always, you inspire me.......) |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Michael another outstanding piece so fitting for the times we're in! Described just perfectly, leaves quite a remarkable picture in one's mind. God bless ya Michael! |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
and I believe that if the call did come, he'd stand and give his best. Sir Balladeer you are the best. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
If my dad had not passed away earlier this year, that could have been him in the poem. You have a way of putting many things in perspective. Thanks. |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Balladeer, your poem really got to me and gave me the chills. It says so much more than read on the surface, but perhaps I'm not awake enough and read too much between the lines. Anyway, today seems a good day to remember many things. Thanks. Great poem! |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
This is just lovely. I can just picture him waiting for the call. Another touching story from you If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ This is so touching~ I'm so glad you're a poet~ Thank you for sharing~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, Wonderful. You always amaze me. I have to agree with Marge when she said she's glad you're a poet. That basically says it all.  I need a darn quote. *chuckles* |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Michael, you have penned this story very well. The imagery is very strong in this piece. I loved it! ~NancyLee! ~Time has cast a spell on you, |
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Tennessee Angel Senior Member
since 2000-06-03
Posts 661Tennessee |
I know you have touched the hearts of many with this one! What a beautiful and heart wrenching piece. Wonderful! :-) |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
This a beautiful poem. You are an excellent poet. Wish I could write as good as you and everyone else. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh Michael ... you gave me a shiver and goosebumps at the end of this. Beautifully written, and from such a wonderful perspective. I could visualize this perfectly, and could see many veterans long since past their primary duties still waiting by that phone. The reality behind this rings through vividly. You are amazing dear poet, an excellent and flowing write. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all for your gracious replies This poem came out of a newsclip I heard on the news where a man's golfing pal disguised his voice and called his friend, pretending to be from the Dept of the Armed services, stating that he was needed by his country. The man was surprised, having been out of the Air Force since World War II and being 78 years old but his caller told him that certain equipment that had been used then was being reinstated and, since the man was familiar with them, he was needed. There was dead silence for a moment and then the man responded loud and clear...Tell the President I am ready". True story... These are the men who make America great...  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Just this weekend, while traveling, I heard of several men who, having fought in VietNam and even the Korean war, were placing calls to the President to sign up "in whatever capacity".... God bless these men! |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
A sense of duty, a sense of honor, these are qualities that never fade or die. Excellent expression, Michael. *tears* |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
You know, I'll bet his sergeant is very close by, steel pot on head, rifle crooked in his arm, watching over his Lt. while awaiting the President's call and the subsequent orders of his Lt. |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
A beautiful tribute to those bravehearted souls of past and sadly ...present. Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
Balladeer, this is moving...... |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
Dear Michael....I can only imagine that even all those in the earth from many battles ago rise to guide him towards the line of duty. It is a precious medal they all carry...a soldiers heart. This is the best piece I've read in a long time! Many prayers for the safe return of our men and women who followed the call. Peace and Hugs! Sincerely, Regina |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
An exceptional poem Left me teary eyed Your usual caliber, but always a new twist Liz |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Honor, integrity, willingness to do what needs to be done... from those who know too well that freedom doesn't come free. This is beautiful, Deer... I know quite a few with just such a sense of duty, for whom patriotism isn't something new... though fortunately, their minds are still sharp. *S* |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
Exceptional one, from you my friend, Sir Balladeer... regards, sudhir |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
As allways Deer you find a way to move our hearts in what you say Titia A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
You really are an incredible poet and storyteller. The feeling of reality to this gave me chills. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I like the story behind this poem as much as I like the poem itself, my deer friend... You're awesome...  |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Excellent! Many of us feel this way. Thanks Our hearts are with our country Patriots on call Melton |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Amazing as always dear friend |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Good story, 'Deer. You always seem to come up with something that is original. I guess you are still getting your inspiration from Toerag, eh? lol |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
I agree, this is rather exceptional writing that flows from your pen this day Deer. Thank you. Hugs On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free. |
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CAVECANEM Junior Member
since 2000-08-05
Posts 43Nevada USA |
Thanks Deer, for recoginizing so many |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Wow. More evidence that true patriotism never dies. Great write. Cause for pride. Thanks. Sin isn't fair, but God got even, grace isn't fair either. larry c |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
my thanks to all of you for your kind replies...yes, they are men to be proud of. They are America.... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Bless your heart, and bless theirs as well. An exceptional story in this poem, which I am sure is all to real right now Michael. ~I always have time to listen to someone talking from their heart~ |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
Bal, this moved me beyond words!! you my dear sir know how to write. i weep for the man in this story and for all the world who must endure this time of horror. i pray for the day when peace reigns once again!! thank you for posting this today... Amy "I could kiss you in |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
oh very moving and beautifully written Deer. Maree |
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Lady In White
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799USA |
You touch the hearts of many...perhaps because you've heard the call... |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
These people make me so proud of my country. Thanks, Michael and Doreen. God bless America, my home sweet home. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Michael--I'm so glad I didn't miss this! It is so touching and full of your beautiful vision of one man, you and the man who waits. Hugs for this! |
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