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Open Poetry #16
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In Honor of Veteran's Day
| Open Poetry #16 |
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In Honor of Veteran's Day |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
There's nothing different about the man as he passes you on the street a few lines have formed along his brow and he's slower on his feet He smiles at children as they play frowns at tattoes on a young teen an ordinary man you think? but you don't know what he as seen jungle wet with rain and sweat rivers of mud and enemy blood Eyes in pain no loss or gain Arms held back in mass attack He won't tell you what he knows nor why it haunts his dreams he keeps it within, this secret past that hides behind silent screams Jungle wet with rain and sweat Rivers of mud and enemy blood Eyes in pain no loss or gain Arms held back in mass attack Don't dare to say he never gave what his country asked him to give don't tell him that you hate this place his friends died so you could live Jungle wet with rain and sweat Rivers of mud and enemy blood Eyes in pain no loss or gain Arms held back in mass attack A flag waves in bright sunlight By soldier right, he should be proud But he walks on by, no salute His patriotism is not allowed jungle wet with rain and sweat rivers of mud and enemy blood eyes in pain no loss or gain arms held back in mass attack And when you come to understand The freedom he fought to keep Perhaps it will be you my friend That dreams the dream of soldier's sleep. |
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| © Copyright 2001 Poet deVine - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh my Sharon ... this is a powerfully poignant piece. The repetition and change-up in flow, compliments your sentiments perfectly. Very well written indeed ... lest we forget ... Best wishes, /Kit |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Sharon, this was so very well done and you honor them well. (I left mine at home) so I am so glad to see that the Vets are going to be honored on the board here. I could go on for hours about some Americans I have met in Canada that will never be the same again, and we must remember them and you have given them their honor in this fine poem. Fantastic in form too. ~*~ Carpe' Diem ~*~ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Thank you. It seems that this Veteran's Day is going to be better than those of the past. This year we really know the meaning of freedom and what our Veteran's did to keep it for us. I am the proud child of a Veteran and the proud mother of one. And the proud friend of many, many who in peace and war, stood ready to fight for my safety and freedom. I appreciate you all.  |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Amen, Sharon! Amen! I am the grandchild of a WWI veteran, the daughter of a WWII veteran and the ex-wife and wife of Viet Nam veterans. The courage and bravery of our veterans is something to which we all we Americans owe a debt of gratitude, because, without it, we wouldn't be here. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Back up you go! |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Sharon....as a veteran of almost 26 years... I do appreciate this tribute....I was very fortunate....I didn't see what they saw... I had my own nightmares...just a little different... Thank you very much for a powerfully written expression of gratitude... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Sharon this is absolutely a wonderfully done tribute to the men of honor who deserve so much more than one day to remember them! Well as you know in Canada we got a lot of the vets from Vietnam, and the stories they told were nothing short of nightmares. I don't know of war except from what I hear from friends in the United States, but we also honor our veterans tomorrow, for WWI and WWII, and every year although I knew no one, when the planes fly over I cry. God bless them one and all for keeping our homes free. ~*~ Carpe' Diem ~*~ |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
very appreciated writing...I am just now living through the eyes and words of my husband's reliving the causes and effects of having to have gone to Viet Nam...and how the men were not appreciated, when they fought to just stay alive there...besides defending the rights of others. Thank you Sharon. ~Wynter "For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. |
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Alan Senior Member
since 2000-09-12
Posts 1499right next door |
Sharon..this is beautiful. Well done I join you in your salute. alan |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Thank you... |
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Ven Member
since 2001-10-01
Posts 102U.K. |
Very impressive. I have read so much today that has made me stop and think and although those of us who have never seen, never been, cannot begin to imagine the horrors these people experienced to secure the freedom that we all enjoy, I for one will consider that the next person that I give my seat up to on a bus, or just smile and say a passing good morning to could well be a hero to whome I owe so much. I think the overwhelming message of the day is: "Treat each passing stranger with respect". For you know not who they are, what they have done or what sacfirices they may have made for the greater good of us all. If a poem can change just one person for the better, by provoking thought, followed by possitive action, then it is surely true that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. So keep on writing, lest we forget. With respect to you all. Ven. |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
I've seen him many times, silently, in many places. I've seen him try to stand, from a wheelchair, aided by his friends, just so he can stand tall and sing his country's anthem. I've seen his silent tears when youth shreds the uniform he so proudly wore ~ Your words speak to me and to him Who will take his place, when he's gone... |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 CLAPPING WILDLY!!! BRAVO!!! Yes, we all must indeed remember to wave to the flag in salutation and declare our love for this America, for we are alive thanks to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. (sigh) BRAVO!!! God Bless You, dearest friend! (big hugggsssss) You have such a beautiful heart, sweet friend, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!!!!!!! Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This is very powerful and so true, Sharon. Sometimes it is good to take a closer look at the old man on the street...one might see a young soldier in those old eyes who gave his all...those who gave the most talk about it the least....that's the way it is. Thank you for speaking for them.... |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
I never served, but I appreciate those that have. Thank you for sharing your view... back to the top you go. I bow to you and yours. |
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Moon Dust
since 1999-06-11
Posts 2177Skelmersdale, UK |
this is a nice tribute, but left me cold to even imagine what they have seen and to have it haunt them for the rest of their lives. To even comprehend the horror and think it would have been 100 times worst beyond all of our imagintions. These people were brave then, but now I think they are braver still to cope with the memories. I breathe the dust, the dust is me. |
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