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Open Poetry #38
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Smiler
| Open Poetry #38 |
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Smiler |
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Kalandria Junior Member
since 2006-05-23
Posts 44Yorkshire, England |
Ok..bit of an explanation about the next. The next one is dedicated to the memory of Sgt Christian Hickey, who in October last year, was leading a patrol around an area of Basra. His Jeep was hit by a roadside bomb and unfortunately, Christian was killed in the attack. Chris was a friend of mine from school and when I visited his grave the other day, a whole ream of memories rushed back. This is not really a poem (hence the lack of rhythm and coherency). It is really just a stream of emotion that travelled literally from mind to paper, with no tinkering. I just wanted to tell people about one of the nicest guys I had the opportunity to meet. Smiler I learned of your death on the 10 ' O' clock news, An electronic epitaph, Spoken by one to whom you were just another name, Another statistic. A grainy photograph, a familiar smile, Clothed in combats and clutching a gun. Celluloid eternity on a road far away, And a world removed from the boy I once knew. I close my eyes........ And I stand once again In a chain linked school yard, surrounded by the faces of nervous strangers, Swallowed by a building, too large For our childish hopes. But you were not scared, Your smile filled even the largest of rooms And infected us all with its warmth. I see the boy with his arms around life, Making jokes in the queue for a lunch that will cool on our plates, as we listen to the stories you tell. I remember pig tailed chases, across playing fields, As you were pursued for teasing the girls. And I smile now, as I recall that you were always caught, much to your delight. There were times in those carefree days, When we had glimpses of the man you would become. You held us if we cried, Not ashamed to show that you cared. And you were followed. Not because you demanded it, But because you earned it, With unwavering friendship and trust. And to be with you Made us feel alive. I visited your grave today, Read the message on the flowers left by your wife. " No-one like you" A thousand memories in one line. I saw her grief as they drew your flag strewn coffin From the rear of the cargo plane. Read the e-mails from the men Who witnessed your death. But when I close my eyes, I see only The grin and the goodbye wave of a friend As he leaves the school gates. |
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| © Copyright 2006 Sharon Zaccardelli - All Rights Reserved | |||
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
there are no words, or at least I cannot find any, that would compliment the immensity, the profoundness of this extremely well written truth...this was remarkable, and I say that humbled. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I see the boy with his arms around life, ~*~ May we all be blessed to know a boy who is a Smiler. Thank you for sharing his memory. God bless our men in arms. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Amen, to all of the above....I am sure, he, they , are smiling... |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
God bless him, you, and all our men and women in service to our country. Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kalandria~ This is so heartwarming ... gut-wretching too~ I hope that somehow you are able to share it with Christian's family~ I think they would find comfort in knowing how much his youthful smile meant to you~ Bless you~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Tears are literally falling from my eyes and onto the keyboard as I write this reply. How terribly tragic. I cannot find the words to adequately express how deeply I have been moved by your own. God bless him ~ and you. EA |
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Kalandria Junior Member
since 2006-05-23
Posts 44Yorkshire, England |
Thankyou all. Your words mean a lot. It was good to be able to share his smile. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Kalandria A remarkable write. Bless you |
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