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Open Poetry #26
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paladin
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Senior Member
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930
Pensacola,Fl.

0 posted 2003-05-29 10:40 PM



LZ

Helo dragonflys
Desending on a clearing
Like metal insects

Deploy

Jump down from the doors
Spread out fast,guns at ready
Head for the tree line

Patrol

Moving slowly now
On the point straining to see
Find the hidden foe

Fire fight

Shapes move into sight
Shots,shouting men killing men
Then comes the silence

Dust off

Wounded men need aid
The dead do not feel the pain
Call for a helo

Mission complete

Toss green smoke grenades
Helos are in the clearing
Weary men climb in

"It ain't no big thing,same-o same-o"


paladin

....a knight without armor


[This message has been edited by paladin (05-30-2003 08:12 AM).]

© Copyright 2003 Robert E. Jackson - All Rights Reserved
icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
1 posted 2003-05-29 11:25 PM


I always thought this was an odd business about which to become complacent while remaining alert.  At the same time, I often thought it was the only way to survive it.

I remember seeing a guy wearing a button that said "Killing becomes us."  I thought it was odd, then one day suddenly it seemed hysterically funny.  

Good clean write.  Thank you for sharing it.

Midnitesun
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since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
2 posted 2003-05-30 01:32 AM


No matter how many times I read war memoirs and poems, I shudder each time, bones chilled through to the marrow, knowing how many never came back from this war, and knowing there will be more from the next.

A friend of mine died in a helo crash in Nam, leaving behind a wife and small son. I wonder what his thoughts were that last day.


Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2003-05-30 09:41 AM


Excellent Robert...
Done in the style that you have become known for.
These made me stop...and think..and remember.
Well done!
~Hugs, Nancy~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

Balladeer
Administrator
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
4 posted 2003-05-30 09:18 PM


"...ain't no big thing". I have that on a shirt created by Chris Noel, AFRTS radio gal there. That anthem brings back memories....sadly.
Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
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Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2003-05-30 09:35 PM




(big hugggssssssss) And how I wish everyone could act like soldiers...then there would be no cowards who kick off these wars and all we deploy is the light! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, I send angel hugs your way, 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***

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
6 posted 2003-05-30 09:44 PM


My husband had been there...so I see the delayed effects now as his drinking consumes him and our 30 years plus marriage ends.


I also had a poet friend come live with me for a year who was a ranger, I think he said, back then and did just as you wrote...He still can't enjoy his life now the way he should.
Being a killing machine (as he put it)takes its toll on you. He went back to northern California where he now lives a simplistic life again.

People don't realize the lasting affect war has.

M

garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
7 posted 2003-06-01 07:41 AM


A salute to all you veterans and all the men and women of the
armed services of today.  THANK  YOU  ALL


JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
8 posted 2003-06-01 07:49 AM


Nice writing...James
Nightshade
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Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
9 posted 2003-06-01 09:40 AM


paladin - very moving piece of reality. thankyou for this. Chris

"Hope" is the thing with feathers-
that perches in the soul....
                  
                       -Emily Dickinson

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
10 posted 2003-06-01 10:26 AM


Robert, each time you write one of your poems of Nam,
my insides feel ripped out ..... again.

I guess war never lets go of it's ugly stranglehold
on those who lived it and lived through it.

May we learn from the horrors,
and may our brave men and women always be remembered and honored.


apoetdreams
Member
since 2003-06-01
Posts 52
NJ, USA
11 posted 2003-06-01 10:32 AM


How I loved this poem. (sorry about the praise

I have a close family member who just recently published his first complete book of poetry with an entire section dedicated to his experiences in this war. You may have heard of him .

I would love to share this poem with him if you don't mind.

This is going into the "library list"

Make your words as sweet as honey, someday you may have to eat them.

scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
12 posted 2003-06-01 09:35 PM


Powerful images..of a time...a place...and a war...we shall remember..

believe in what your heart feels...

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