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Open Poetry #23
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Tori And The Old Veteran (Remembrance Day - Canada)
| Open Poetry #23 |
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Tori And The Old Veteran (Remembrance Day - Canada) |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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 ~* Photo: Albert Finley, Age 83 *~ ~* Tori And The Old Veteran *~ When I took my Granddaughter shopping Standing there outside the mall, Stood a shriveled up old man selling poppies Though bent, he had once been quite tall. I couldn’t help but notice As he flashed us a pleasant grin, Around his neck hung a box full of poppies A donation got you one on a pin. Normally I'd just hand him a dollar Take the poppy and be on my way, But Tori tugged and took his hand, Intent on hearing what he had to say. “My name is Tori, what’s your name”, She smiled that sweet smile of hers at him. “I’m Albert, I was once a soldier, For Remembrance Day I sell poppies on a pin. Well, Albert’s uniform was now way to small, And it reeked of more than one mothball. He bent down to Tori pinned on her poppy, Smiled at her and called her a little doll. He said he’d been standing here for hours, And he did it gladly every year, He had so many war stories but … His family just didn’t want to hear. His pride shone on his medals and buttons As they glinted in the afternoon sun, We let him brag about his feats of valor, In the battles that had been won. He stood here trying to tell his stories. He loved sharing them with strangers every year. Some passers-by spoke of their relatives Who died and they all held most dear. Uncles, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, Who did their duty for their country and then some, Were now but fading memories and pictures Tucked away in some old family album. For this old, uniformed man standing there Somehow I felt a little pity, People don’t respect Remembrance Day Any more in the modern day city. This sweet man was someone’s grandfather, Who went to war to keep his grandkids free, And people were walking by ignoring him Not one of them buying the respected poppy. All they saw was a frail old man, Who chose to keep living in the past, I even heard a young man remark, “How long's this poppy thing going to last?” Well Albert had been a respected soldier once, Answering the call to serve this nation, keep it free. He and others went to war for all of us, He stands for freedom enjoyed by you and me. Tomorrow when the world stands still And all the War planes are buzzing by, Let’s show respect for 3 minutes, it’s not long, Stand still; say a prayer for those who did die. I always think of Albert on November 11th, And all the things about those wars he said. He's lived through three wars, and lost his son, 3 minutes isn’t long to stop and honor the dead. Is it?  LEST WE FORGET To honor our veterans for their participation in The Boer War, World War I , World War II, The Korean War, and The Gulf War  REMEMBRANCE DAY - November 11th, 2002 At 11:00 a.m. every November 11th, our country stands silent for three minutes to honor those that died for freedom and to salute those who continue to fight to keep Canadians and their allies free.   Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. [This message has been edited by Mysteria (11-11-2002 01:17 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Sharon, it too saddens me to see so any forget Remembrance Day, but most importantly, the men who made this day possible, who fought for our freedom, our justice, to preserve our colors and our children and who sacrificed so much in doing so, and what do they get now in return? Forgetfulness! Even though I never got to live during those days, I salute these incredible men this day and am proud of them with all my heart and hope many others will too, God Bless You, God Bless Our Veterans, GOD BLESS CANADA!!! (big hugggsssssss) This is wonderful, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sharon, thank you for sharing!May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
Yay Canada!! War is stupid. I guess it's good to remember so we can learn from our mistakes and maybe it wont happen again. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Sharon, We owe so much to all the Alberts. God bless him and all veterans including those who sacrificed their lives. And God bless both Canada and the USA. Wonderful poem and a delightful granddaughter.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Red Member
since 2000-01-01
Posts 143Ca |
A beautiful and touching poem Mysteria. |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Oh Sharon, this really touched my heart. My Dad is a veteran and he is very patriotic. He's very proud of his country and is proud to have served for it. He has put that pride into my brother's and my hearts. Thanks so much for sharing this heart touching poem with us. "Love makes the world go around" |
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the_loner_23 Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
Beautifully written Cold hands means a warm heart |
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ThunderMage Senior Member
since 2002-06-20
Posts 812Canada |
In my way of thinking, war stinks. What is life without poetry and adventure? |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
No, Sharon, three minutes is not too much to ask at all. We have an entire new generation of people who have no idea what war is and less of the hardships and sacrifices millions went through to preserve the freedom we enjoy. Their struggles and sacrifices should never pass unrecognized. To all of the brave Canadians who fought alongside of us when duty called, I salute you..and them. God bless you all  |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
This wonderful piece brought back memories of selling red poppies when I was in elementary school. Until I saw this poem, I couldn't have told you which holiday it was for. We must have had similar customs, and our country (at least my part of it) deviated from the "poppies for remembrance" part. We still remember our veterans today - Veteran's Day - I wish we still did the poppies as well... Nice work, Mysterias one...  |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Beautiful poem...three minutes is not much to ask...for something that was given freely to all of us...we owe our veterans much... ...believe what your heart feels... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I spent the weekend with my Dad, who's also 83 and served in WWII... hearing stories I've heard before and cherish hearing again... for I don't want to ever forget how much we owe our veterans... don't ever want to forget to say thank you. *S* When I go out today, I'll buy a poppy and listen to a story or two... probably time and time again... and I'll think of Tori, listening too. *S* This is beautiful, Mysteria... and a few minutes isn't much at all to give back in thanks for our very way of life. *S* |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Sharon..this is so very touching. No, three minutes is not too much to give.. to remember, and thank the vets in prayer. Beautifully and lovingly penned. ~Hugs~ ~Let your heart guide you... |
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Rex Allen McCoy Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863Sippin a Timmy's in London |
wonderfully written piece ... they'll be remembered each year by those who value freedom of speech and spirit ... those who understand the sacrifices they made for us all ~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Three minutes every hour that's what I do this day in remembrance of blood once shed for our freedom's right to pray. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sharon A touching nudge to the shoulder to many, and a delightful story. Thank you, Sharon! |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Sharon, this is a beautiful story. No one that gave so much should be forgotten. They deserve eternal thanks and love. Hugs Sandra |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Three wars? No, a minute per war is barely enough. Maybe we should really give three minutes a week, at the least. Just a thought: if we all had to give up to silence and remembrance just three minutes a day, perhaps we would find a way to stop our forever-forwards marching into war??? Perhaps a poetic tribute poem for all of humanity entitled "Just Give Three Minutes A Day?" |
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GOlDsparklESS Member
since 2001-12-13
Posts 428central nj |
God Bless... |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
very touching, thank you for sharing Sharon (((hugs))) Charisma |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I will say thank you - but the credit for this one is going to Albert and his cronies (and my munchkin too.) The planes buzzed around this morning, just before Vancouver services were held, but after we stood in 3 minutes silence today I noticed something new that I wanted to share. It went on longer than the usual three minutes and when the Salvation Army band slowly started up again, the minister said, "God bless those who died to keep freedom, and God bless our neighbours in America", and everyone there, and there were hundreds, repeated, "God bless America", followed by "God bless Canada." I thought you might like to know that you have friends up across the border   Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. [This message has been edited by Mysteria (11-11-2002 02:50 PM).] |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Sharon, Those 3 minutes are definitely worth standing for. This is an amazing presentation and God bless people like the Alberts of the world. I have read this several times today and each time felt a pang in my heart. You do all of us a great service by writing such a touching and memorable poem. I salute you, Canada's friendship with the USA and all veteran's who fight for our safety and our freedom. May we always hold them in a special place in our hearts. Luvs and huggles, Marti |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
God bless you, Sharon for sharing this wtih us~ You have a heart of gold and yes, I'm saving it in my library for next year~ Take care, Melissa~ "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Marti and Melissa - prime example two people from different countries, wishing for the same thing - peace in the world, and giving thanks for our freedom. Thank you both so much for dropping in. |
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