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Open Poetry #16
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Small Pain in my Chest.......Veteran's Day Post
| Open Poetry #16 |
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Small Pain in my Chest.......Veteran's Day Post |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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It has been posted before but, for the new members, it is traditional for me to post this each Veteran's Day......peace to you all. . . . The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree. As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me. The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light "I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could." A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good. We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest - A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest." As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt. "Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest. They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest." "Must be fatigue", he weakIy smiled. "I must be getting old. I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold. We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest, The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest." "I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground. I kept an firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best, But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest." "I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen. "Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest, Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest." "What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown, If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone? Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast, That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?" "Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun. "It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun. I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest .......... And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried; I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 11-11-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Absolutely one of your best. Makes me cry every time I read it sir. Thank you for reposting it. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown, If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone? Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast, That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?" "Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun. "It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun. I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest .......... And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried; I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest. =========================== Classic Balladeer Poetry...classic cadence if the gift wrap for this poem of CLASS.... We NEED more of YOU around here  Wanna say it with me? ................ (OHHOWILOVEWHENYOUWRITELIKETHIS)  spammy smooches to you groovy guy!! You're the hidden cost and the thing that's lost in everything I do. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 STANDING OVATION!!! Oh Balladeer, this is soooooooo heartbreaking but also so beautiful, for the love of a patriot reaches out to this dearest boy, and the moral and love of patriotism shines in this marvelous tribute. (wipes tears) This one had me weeping all throughout; BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! (big huggssssssss) God Bless You always and all those who make America shine up to today! (big hugggssssss) You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Balladeer, 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 |
All I can say is that the tears are flowing freely from my eyes. This poem is a masterpiece of true emotion. A magnificent tribute to those who have fallen and to those left to take the torch. Thank you, Balladeer, I am so glad you shared this with me today. **hugs** Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Balladeer, It's no surprise that a tradition for Vet's Day has so much class. I'm glad I'm a part of it. I am old enough to really appreciate the reality of this poem. Thank you sir! Sin isn't fair, but God got even, grace isn't fair either. larry c |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Balladeer, I'm certainly glad you keep up this tradition, it's a wonderful, poignant piece, so very appropriate for this day. Corinne |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, I'm at a loss for words at the moment as tears fill my eyes. The only thing I can say now is wow. I'll stop by later to comment.. but wow. Hugs, Tara |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Geeeeez...will I ever stop crying this morning....this one has me really going right now.....Thanx...it is so beautiful. and so sadly true.... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Some poets just know how to do it, write... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh Michael ... this was one of the first poems of yours that I read, and one that set a standard of excellence that I have watched you follow through with so many I have read from that point forward. This is one of the most heartening poems I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and it's not simply the flawless rhyme and cadence that I have come to expect from you, but most significantly ... it is the magical way this story comes to life in the reader's mind and heart. This touches me deeply at a new level, each and every time I read it. Many hugs to you for being the exceptional person that you are.  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Lucie Senior Member
since 1999-06-20
Posts 1077Houston |
I could tell you that I love this poem, have from the first time I read it.. I could tell you its one of my favorites, but then I say that about all of your poetry. There are to many to decide. So I guess I'll just say I love you Balladeer, and every word you write touches me deeply. Not to belittle the other poets here.. but you Sir.. are one of the main reasons I come back to Passions, again.. and again. ... aside from myself.. giggle  Remember me with a smile on your face, or please don't remember me at all. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I remember the first time I read this...*tears*, the second...*tears*, the third, fourth, fifth, *tears* *tears* *tears*....beautiful touching writing. |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Oh this is so icredible, it could be read 100 times, and still have the same effect. Tears, and a small pain in my chest. Bless you Sandra |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
Your talent, your tribute...both deserving recognition. Thank you for reposting this. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Each time I read this beautiful poem it moves me to tears Deer. This is a classic! and so are you Deer one. Thanks for reposting. Maree |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
A poigant piece from your heart. It tears into the reader just as it should. The battles they fought. The pain that learned it's way into the lives of those that lived. A shared last moment of dignity. I admire you so. Thank you for this tribute to the Veterans. Sincerely, Regina It's all in the mind |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
What Kit said... *G*... and Lucie... and.... All I can add is that I once tried to pick my 5 very favorite Deer poems... this was one. And your continued excellence isn't likely to knock it out of it's place in my heart... Every read is a gift. Thank you. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
This is amazing Balladeer!! Everything I wanted to say has already been said ...so I shall simply say, Thank You for this! ~hugs, Nancy~ |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Beautiful and touching my heart. Titia A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
This is the kind of poetry that stands high on the Remembrance Mountain. Thank you for sharing this. |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This is one of my favorites, absolutely! Kathleen |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
YOU, my 'deer........ are wonderful!!!!! thank you for reposting this classic piece and for your beautiful wisdom, tenderness, and compassion..... i've read this more times than i can count and will read it again many many more.... |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
This poem really lets me understand the pain caused by those called to harms way...James |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Balladeer, I have re-read the poem and it brought tears again. This time I was warned however *chuckles* I'm so glad you repost this.. it is my first time seeing it posted and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. You are so amazing and talented. I can't tell you how much I love this poem. Hugs  ,Tara |
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The Lonely Stranger Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 361Upstate, NY, USA |
[Standing applauding with the others] I am so veryglad you reposted this one. How I would have hated to have missed it. Bravo No one ever listened themselves into trouble. |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
Although I've read this before ... I couldn't stop my left eye from doing the jitterbug and my right gave me a place to dip my quill Thanks for the repost ~ |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This poem has special meaning for me and it makes me so glad that many of you have allowed it to move you, also. My warmest thanks to you all...  |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Thank you Deer - For the profound reminder... |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Ooh, Deer, it's not often that a poem can bring a lump to my throat, but I'll tell you, this one did. Thank you for re-posting it for the benefit of those who haven't seen it before, and for those who have. This piece is indeed a master piece. If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
I remember this one as being one of your best. Thanks for bringing it forward. Peace to you and yours. |
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Moon Dust
since 1999-06-11
Posts 2177Skelmersdale, UK |
You know your oone of the best poets on here and you can easily see why. I breathe the dust, the dust is me. |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
i am printing this out right now..this is too good to be in my library... thank you for this.. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Again...I thank you all. My appreciation for your thoughts is indescribable...thank you! |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Michael - I thought I had read this one before, but I hadn't. Well done, my fine friend. |
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Broken_Winged_Angel Senior Member
since 2000-04-06
Posts 994Small Town, Somewhere |
Oh dear.. I know this isn't the newest repost.. or the last repost of this poem.. but somehow I have missed it every year. I'm sitting here crying, because I know of two soldiers that have died from "a small pain in their chest" and your poem...it left me remembering them and their families . God Bless you Balladeer. Thank you again.. ~BWA |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
my favorite, Mike. |
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