USS Arizona, where souls lie and grown men cry.

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Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2003-09-17 09:16 PM

There before me, lying quietly in rest.
Tiny waves rippling the sunlight off
of still waters entombing gallant lads
from a day that will live on in infamy.

I cried freely as I stood, reading the names
carefully, looking for a familiar etching
within that smooth granite expanse of
so many souls inscribed.   I asked myself,
“am I worthy to stand on such hallowed
ground?”  Where the waters hid the outline
of what was a mighty ship, now lying
silent, an occasional drip of oil still
shimmering on the surface from fuel
tanks that speak in droplets after fifty
odd years.

They gave their souls that we might live,
that we might fight and avenge those who
trespassed upon our lands.  Lands of
freedom, lands of pride and courage.
We avenged their loss a thousand fold,
time and again over the coming years.

And now, survivors, many old, walking
in a stooped manner, some shuffling,
unsteady gaits, with their own tears
flowing freely from weathered faces
hiding the eyes of those who saw the
fires, carried their dying buddies away
from the flames and horror behind
them.....

Let that day still live ....let the words
of a nation’s leader still ring within
the minds of our children.  Let us
never forget,   for when the giant
sleeps,   evil stalks the darkness
beyond the flickering flames of
freedom.

God bless them all....

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

1 posted 2003-09-17 09:22 PM

I can't imagine being there and not crying... even if the tears pour back down into our hearts instead of streaking our faces.

This is a beautiful, touching tribute written with love and respect... I thank you.

mytuesdaywishes
Member

since 2003-09-05

Posts 254
a voice from the musicbox

2 posted 2003-09-17 09:27 PM

i cant imagine that experience. you inspire me. i admire your wisdom and compassion. for all the men who passed on, your words are their legacy and im honored to be entrusted with the memory.

and even when everything was wrong, and we were mad at the world, it was still beautiful.

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

3 posted 2003-09-17 09:32 PM

Suthern,  I have been there twice....and
this last visit affected me most powerfully.
Watching all of those older men, some with
their wives....sitting on that boat,  headed
over to the Arizona.  You could sense the
emotions that had to be running through each
of them,  knowing they were reliving that
day in their minds at that moment.  Wanting
to stand up and hug each and every one of
them.....to tell them thank you for their
sacrifices that they and their comrades made
for each of us....  I guess I am just a
sentimental old man....I still get tears
when I think of that day....

Thank You...

Local Rebel
Member Ascendant

since 1999-12-21

Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia

4 posted 2003-09-17 09:47 PM

amen Magnus, amen

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

5 posted 2003-09-17 09:51 PM

--and God Bless you for keeping their memory alive. I was compelled to read your words in hushed tones and with reverence.

A very moving, and patriotic homage to those who perished on the USS Arizona.

Linda

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

6 posted 2003-09-17 09:57 PM

Linda,  it is so easy to write of them.
For the feelings I have felt are so strong.
Probably one of the most moving moments of
my life.  One I am grateful for having the
chance to be there on a very special day,
the 60th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor
bombing.  Thinking about those that are
still alive,  how many of them were or
may have been seeing the memorial for the
last time because most of them were in their
late 70's or early 80's.....  It touched
me to my core.  Still does each and every
time I think of that day some 60 years ago
and those men who gave their lives for us.

this write has deeply touched me tonite.

Thanx Angel Lady....

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

7 posted 2003-09-17 10:04 PM

Thank you for this.

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

8 posted 2003-09-17 10:10 PM

MyTuesdayWishes...whew....what a name....
Thanx much for your words. Happy I could
share a moment with you...and I wish to
welcome you to Passions.

LR....thanx much, seriously....

Martie....you are welcome dear one...always.

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-12-27

Posts 8348
Florida

9 posted 2003-09-17 10:41 PM

A subject close to my heart...

I was active duty in the Navy for ten years..during the first gulf war..and I did some time aboard 2 ships...there is nothing that compares to the closeness you come to feel for your shipmates...

Beautiful tribute for those who gave so much.

Susan

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

10 posted 2003-09-17 10:45 PM

Thank you Susan, having been active duty
Navy for shy of 26 years, now retired....
I know very well, just as you...of the bond
that can be developed within the confines
of a ship or command....

Thanx again....

Ringo

Member Elite

since 2003-02-20

Posts 3684
Saluting with misty eyes

11 posted 2003-09-17 11:09 PM

I ahve been to this same part of American history, and have felt EXACTLY this way. Thank you for putting my thoughts and emotrions into the words I never could.
Phenominal job, this.

We are all equal but we’re individually different
and able to reach the impossible if we try.

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

12 posted 2003-09-18 04:36 AM

I have been several times as I go when my sons visit me and it is always touching...
James

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

13 posted 2003-09-18 04:40 AM

Amen.

And yes...I echo Martie...thank you.
When the power of love overcomes the
love of power the world will know peace.
-Jimi Hendrix

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

14 posted 2003-09-18 04:55 AM

Thanks to each of them
and thanks to you, too

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant

since 2000-06-17

Posts 5546
missouri

15 posted 2003-09-19 10:40 AM

I,too, have stood upon that deck, seeing that vague outline, the oil droplets...if you can stand there and NOT cry, you have a far harder heart than I
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[This message has been edited by Paula Finn (09-19-2003 10:42 AM).]

LeeJ
Member Patricius

since 2003-06-19

Posts 13296

16 posted 2003-09-19 11:27 AM

I'm lost for words, this was heartfelt and very touching....God bless you all both the poets and the comments...

God bless America

angelblueyes
Member Elite

since 2003-07-19

Posts 2148
Oklahoma

17 posted 2003-09-19 12:39 PM

Thanks for reminding of us of this moemnt and sharing this with us.It will be something that is never forgotten and my prayers will always remain with all those involved.You keep being the sentimental man that you are for that's why we love you.

Crystal

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