Open Poetry #26 |
Vietnam memories (flash backs) |
paladin
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930Pensacola,Fl. |
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).] |
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© Copyright 2003 Robert E. Jackson - All Rights Reserved | |||
icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows |
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. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
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. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
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 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
"...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. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(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 |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
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 |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
A salute to all you veterans and all the men and women of the armed services of today. THANK YOU ALL |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice writing...James |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
paladin - very moving piece of reality. thankyou for this. Chris "Hope" is the thing with feathers- |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
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. |
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apoetdreams Member
since 2003-06-01
Posts 52NJ, USA |
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. |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Powerful images..of a time...a place...and a war...we shall remember.. believe in what your heart feels... |
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