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Clara's Vision (for Susan)
| Open Poetry #33 |
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Clara's Vision (for Susan) |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA 
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Clara’s Vision (for Susan) This poem is about Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross in 1881. It should also be noted that she was the first woman in the United States to establish a public school - this was in Bordertown, New Jersey before she went to work at the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C. She was approximately forty years old, having been born on Christmas day, 1821, when she set out to accomplish her mission in the field of mercy. Interestingly, Ms. Barton was born to a middle class family and the only nursing training she had was caring for an invalid brother.  By July 21, 1861, The battle of Manassas had begun. The disdain of war and who was right Seemed so much more a lesser fight Than the possibility of loss of life. Through Clara’s eyes, I saw the need. I saw beyond the carriages filled With picnic baskets, wine glasses and blankets Where spectators watched engaging battle. Through Clara’s eyes I viewed the world For one brief moment, history unfurled. I saw an angry crowd in town Baltimore Riot left scars around. People, mostly “people,” angry, marched Maryland streets of succession. Then, arrived the 6th Regiment, Soldiers needing food, medicine, provisions. What was a woman like her to do? Through her eyes, I saw the bleed Through her eyes, I saw the need. 28,000 soldiers plus came from the North Over 32,000 fought for the South. But I gasp with an open mouth As tears welled up in Clara’s eyes. For some of her brothers might not have survived, Or, perhaps, some of the children She’d taught in Massachusetts and Bordertown died. I watched her sit at her maplewood desk Where she worked for the Patent Office, U.S. Was there nothing she could do to make things better? “Oh, yes, I will draft a letter with an ad. I will write to the Spy and hope they comply.” The ad she purchased in the Yank’s magazine Did catch the attention of those with means. And provisons poured forth from the beckoning. Within a year of the first Bull Run, I saw her hands hold the reigns on a wagon, An ambulance for the sick and down trodden. To the battle fields she took her aid And more than one life did she save. Though she’d had no training as a nurse, For the casualties of war she worked. Soldiers called her their angel of mercy. This was just the beginning of Clara’s story. [This message has been edited by iliana (07-22-2004 03:48 AM).] |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Very interesting post, iliana. The expression in her picture hints at her compassion. I'm so glad you've been doing a little historical research and writing. Now she is a heroin we can look up to. Enjoyed this a bunch. misc'e |
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*Belabebeautiful*
since 2003-01-03
Posts 696washington, USA |
I liked this...I happen to be a bit of a history nut myself so I know some about this woman and I really enjoyed reading a poem wrote in memory of her, well done. ~Live and Laugh~ The memories are worth the pain when the happiness is outweighs the sorrow |
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Snow
since 2000-10-16
Posts 1170desert flower looking for rain |
historical poems written in a present voice are not easy to do.. but you have done so. i not only found it informative, but ... it was actually a compelling read. hugs... snow "yet each man kills the thing he loves |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
What a generous and pioneering spirit she had! I am reminded of another courageous woman who did something of great import with her life ~ Florence Nightengale. My room in nursing residence was next to the archives and I would sleep with my hand against the wall next to my bed. Immediately on the other side was a large glass and wood presentation case that housed letters from Florence Nightengale. I literally slept a few inches from her letters ~ and her energy!   An absolutely superb right, lily love!  Linda |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
I remember doing a report on Clara Barton when I was in 4th grade. I found her fascinating then, and after reading this, I'm reminded of why. But then, I think you could convince me to find anyone fascinating with how well you write of 'em.  Good to finally read you again. I've missed it... Take care!Always, Alyssa Poems are made by fools like me, |
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C? Member
since 2001-12-29
Posts 190 |
clapity clap clap. thats the sound of my applause. well versed, well rehearsed, well done. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I believe this is one of the first tintypes I've seen where the subject is smiling in the photograph. Compassion, indeed... a smiling angel. Well done, Jo! |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
incredible, and thank you for sharing this with us! |
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Susan Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104walking the surreal |
Ah jo, what a beautiful gift, written with great compassion and so very poignant in its feel. You truly gave breath to the old bones. She was an incredible woman in a desparate time. Your heart shines through this as well -- beautiful. Love you --  SusanHappiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you. Joy is a state of mind. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
miscellanea - I am still challenging you to do one on Annie Oakley! Thanks, partner! ....jo*Bellabebeautiful* - Thanks for your kind reply. May be a little more to come; we'll see what the muse drums up. Snow - Feedback from you are especially prized by me, as I am in awe of your creativity! Thanks & hugs back, jo Earth Angel - That is a truly wonderful thing that happened to you. Actually, I debated about which of these two women I would write about. I think I chose well, for now that leaves an opening for you to do Florence and oh, how, appropriate that would be! Things have a way of working well between us, yes? *wink* Thanks for your sweet comments, Linda. Love....the lily lady |
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Saunni Senior Member
since 2000-07-11
Posts 1777West Virginia |
I have to agree with Susan, It's a gift to be able to write like this. A wonderful gift! Sauni:)The Only Time I See The Sun Is When I'm Within That Vanilla Breeze.The Only Time I'm One With The Sun Is When He Shelters Me From The Rain. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
GG -- I'm so glad to see you around again. Thank you for your very kind words. Now isn't that almost a coincidence -- my report on her was in the 6th grade -- lol. Love ya, jo C? -- thank you, thank you, bow...blush. No, really, your applause and response really warms my heart, thank you! Sunshine - Yes, I noticed that, too, about the photo and the sheltered smile. Thanks for posting (hope your project is coming along.....I'm still bogged down with deadline but playing here as much as I can). luv ya, SIL........jo Donna - I am so glad you enjoyed this. We need heros/ines these days, don't we?! ......joSusan -- Muchos gracias! I am so glad you liked it. I think there may be a followup coming. *smiles & hugs & love* .....jo |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Saunni -- you are so kind to say that. Thank you so much. When I think about how much this woman accomplished in her life, I am truly inspired! .....jo |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
jo, this was an inspirational gift I am in awe of the stamina of those pioneer woman.. Her photo looks so jovial, her eyes sparkle What a lovely post, a great poem tribute and picture to help us see with our own eyes this amazing woman. Thanks a bunch. Lee J. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (cries in tears of joy) Oh Jo, this made me cry as Clara is such a wonderful and loving person and I truly believe in the heart of every single person who volunteers to give blood, who becomes an organ donor, who offers warmth and comfort to troops after combat, there is a little piece of Clara's beautiful spirit! (kiss on cheek) I share her vision, as I too give blood regularly and I am registered as an organ donor (which I encourage everyone to do) as the next person's life you save after you die may be a little boy or girl! God Bless You, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Jo, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "You'll find something that's enough to keep you |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Very interesting, and so well done! Thank you. |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
Excellent... iliana. JL She said: ”You look cute in the dark.” |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Poets, all, your thoughtful posts here are so appreciated.......*smiles a'plenty* ....jo |
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