Open Poetry #23 |
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Viet Nam protests |
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paladin![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930Pensacola,Fl. ![]() |
Hell no we won't go People in the street chanting Hey,hey L.B.J. Draft cards are burning The flag is covered with blood How many killed today? Make love not war.man Don't make me a soldier Let's give peace a chance War!,good God y'all National guard shoots Four dead in Ohio Bring all the boys home Poor black and white boys fighting Rich kids go to school I served two combat tours in Viet Nam and received a bronze star and three purple hearts.I came home to be spat on and called a baby killer.Men who have never fought in war cry the loudest for it.Men who have fought in wars are in favor of it as the last resort. paladin [This message has been edited by paladin (11-08-2002 02:39 PM).] |
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© Copyright 2002 Robert E. Jackson - All Rights Reserved | |||
the_loner_23 Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
Awesome poem. Full of so much feeling. Cold hands means a warm heart |
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garysgirl![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Robert, I could feel the strong emotions you had when writing this poem. I personally think that our Viet Nam veterans have been given a raw deal in lots of ways. Well, probably enough said, for now. "Love makes the world go around" |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
I know this all too well..... |
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suthern![]() ![]()
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
This brought forth so many memories and emotions... with respect and gratitude heading the line... and remorse that they weren't given you all along. |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Well, Robert, this brought a bucket of tears and memories that should not have to be remembered. But, I thank you for your prior commitment to our freedom. And I fear, the same will happen if Bush decides to finish off Saddam. How I pray for our young boys in the service. The USS Constitution recently left San Diego harbor ready and armed for war. Not a good sign. Hugs dear man ... Marti |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
My husband also served as a Marine during the VietNam war...was in a battalion that had their own men killed by friendly fire...I was a Senior in High School and then in college and was married to him when the war ended. I think that today with all the movies and recollections in books and on tv..that he is reaffected( if such a word) by those years, and I am sure the drinking heavily is a result... Brought back many memories... M |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Robert, I lived in your country during that time frame and lost many a friend and neighbour to that war. Senseless... Well done poet sir. ~Hugs~ ~I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before.~ |
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Mistletoe Angel![]() ![]() ![]()
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
![]() (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Robert, this is so very heartaching, I too can't understand how senseless some people can be, my heart goes out to you and I for one am proud of you for standing up thee for us all and you and all the veterans deserve so much more respect than what they gave you all coming back home! (big hugggsssssss) I send angel hugs of comfort your way, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Robert, thank you for sharing! ![]() May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." Shakira [This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (11-08-2002 03:18 PM).] |
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Marge Tindal![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Paladin~ I simply salute and honor you and all those who served in that war~ ![]() *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
this is such a strong poem of the pain of honor...you have my deepest thanks |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
Paladin, I am from the Viet Nam era, and also agree with you that war is a last resort. You were called to duty by your country, and served with honours. I know how it was when you stepped off the plane, because I was the part of the crowd who was tearfully cheering for you.......and missing my friends who didn't come home. I applaud you now for this insightful message, and pray that war is only used as the last resort. Pen how you truly feel... it is a safety-valve for the soul! [This message has been edited by Sunnyone (11-08-2002 03:30 PM).] |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
I remember the chants and if we must have a war, I'm glad there are people like you willing to fight, for I know that without patriots there would be no freedom. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Not only do I salute your poem but I salute you and all the brave men involved in that combat..I've stood at the memorial when it went on tour..touched the names of friends who will never grow old.... ...believe what your heart feels... |
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Wind![]()
since 2002-10-12
Posts 2981 |
This is something that means a lot to me. I love this poem, because it reminds me of my own feelings. If you can relate to a poem, you love it even more. "Sticks and stones will break my bones, |
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Connel![]()
since 2002-11-04
Posts 736Florida, USA |
Poeple are always fighting.. Thats the way things are.. I wish they would change. But in my heart i know, the fight will never end. Thank you for posting this poem, it will remind people of what is happenening, which shouldnt be. I wish to become a great poet some day, but it will only come in time. Til then, I shall write my poems, and wait. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Men who have never fought in war cry the loudest for it. Men who have fought in wars are in favor of it as the last resort. So true these words. So true your words above There's only a thin line Between hatred and love Thanks for reminding me Titia Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Gemini Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203Wisconsin, USA |
I thank you for your poignant message, my heart goes out to anyone who has served as each individual in war has had to go through their own personal hell over there and in coming back. You are to be commended dear sir for your words and your bravery. This tragic war will never be forgotten. |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Another of your power packed poems, which I enjoyed. I served in that era, but not in Viet Nam. I salute you sir. Thanks, Melton |
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Midnitesun![]()
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
And still we chant. You carry your purple heart inside, and it beats to the tune of truth; those who do not have to do the fighting chant the loudest for war. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
I have no words that can do this poem, yourself and those who served justice. I can only whisper......thank you |
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