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Open Poetry #39
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The Morning After
| Open Poetry #39 |
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The Morning After |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma 
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 ~The Morning After~ Applause breaks out at the dawning start from deep within the many beating hearts; some are anxiously- contorting to see the yellow orb, twinkling, through the dense triple canopy. Yesterday's chilling screams, and the smell of burnt flesh, sizzling, has subsided. Men rousing, C-rat browsing, blood soaked gauze, with no mention of any cause; above essence of self, what glares from the Wall: are those eleven ponchos that lie in plain view; bathing with the morning dew; silently whispering a language that only they knew. Arouse, pausing for them to awaken; surely they are just sleeping, eerily surreal waiting for the prank and leaping, but they remain quietly still, lined properly in formation - even keel. The covering remains inert, a snapshot that lingers, the shutter frozen, with the trickling fingers succumbing to gravity's entice; the tiny puddles racing, merging and colliding, vanishing into the thirsty soil, filtering through the dry, crimson, stain, alongside future descendants: forever in vain. Fighting back cares, as the Huey vibrates above the trees, creating a hurricane size breeze; time to say good bye and promises to seize: "When I glimpse the angelic silhouettes cutting my, frazzled, rotten fa- tigues, feel the soft, clean, snow white linen, and the virgin smell of those divine, pearly sheets, that wrap my filthy torso: I'll doff to your valor with a tear my brother, then the magical thief will cradle me home, where childhood joy still clings to innocent dreams." Over seventy wounded, that boarded the choppers, saluting those brave young men cut down. Though they be forgotten by the many, even before they lay beneath the shroud; gnawing echo's of "Di bo chet," stir deep within the bowels, rallying the spirits of the warriors, who lived and fought with them that bout. Our souls in unison burst out with a shout : "That the very atoms will split, if we should fail, exploding right- eous truth about those loyal, trusted, pals, judging us that day, when every comrade's knee shall bow." Laughing grandchildren commemorating your cour- age, redirect focus back to the names on the black rock's face. 'The Walking Dead' belated reunion of hand shakes and hugs, one of the highest forms of human communion, declares to all around: "that your lives are forever etched into our conscious crown, as much a part of us, as the blood that fills our veins; flowing as the mighty river until the last drop is drain- ed. You shall never be forgotten as long as there is breath contained. We honor and pay tribute to your ultimate sacrifice arranged, and glory in the celebra- tions of life that you claimed for us in the exchange." ____________________ Semper Fidelis TP |
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| © Copyright 2006 Pressie - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Pressie~ 'I'll doff to your valor with a tear my brother, then the magical thief will cradle me home' Such a very moving tribute~ *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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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
"You shall never be forgotten as long as there is breath contained." so powerful Pressie |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thank you Marge and The Lady for your kind remarks! It was/is a wrenching piece to write. I dearly wish that I had the skill to write it without including so many cliches. But it is what it is, a never ending write that always seems to find a way to pull me back into that Wall. Semper Fi TP |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Pressie~ Oh dear poet ... you have the skill for poignant word spill ... this is perfect just as it is~ I have touched the wall ... and you have brought the memories back~ I pause in quiet reflect ... thank you for that~ *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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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
I have been there, I remember how the chill ran through me then as it just did now when reading your words. I have a picture I took when I was there of a soldiers boot filled with flowers that brings tears to my eyes every time I gaze upon it. Thank you so much for this one, sir. I do enjoy reading you. seek the flame within yourself |
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seraphin Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1004Michigan |
You have roused me from my silence, pulled me from the shadows, and touched my mind and heart. This is a wonderfully crafted work of love. A must read for all. Thank you for sharing it with us. Sandra |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
You are so gifted and blessed Marge! Thank you for the uplifting words of encouragement! Thank you Sandra for those warm and kind remarks! Donna, I almost posted the picture below as the header photo.  Thank you all for joining me on that trip across the sea, to that place where only angels can truly see. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
... It is hard to find words after reading this Sir. A most powerful write!! Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile~ |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Very touching and written with honour from your heart. Wonderful. hugs, Chris Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Pressie Death has a timeless face On that, I rest my case I have held death in my arms Never found a proper psalm. Thank you for this write. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Terry~ I'm back to tell you that I have just begun to read at your web site ... you need to share the link with all of us here ... by adding it to your PiP Profile~ (I'm part detective ... so I found it)  What talent from your heart~  *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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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thanks you lady Enchantress and Nightshade ..your words honor the write. "I have held death in my arms Never found a proper psalm." Yes, Seymour....so true. Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Pressie I'm sorry, I have no words that work. |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
" I have just begun to read at your web site ... you need to share the link with all of us here ... by adding it to your PiP Profile~ (I'm part detective ... so I found it)" Marge, Maybe someday....there is so much that needs to be edited, that needs to be revised, and a whole load needs to be taken offline that truthfully is so sophomoric that it shouldn't have been posted to start with: Sic ad nauseam. There is much work to do and "miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep." |
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wredgranny Member
since 2006-11-18
Posts 493Ky. USA |
Laughing grandchildren commemorating your cour- age, redirect focus back to the names on the black rock's face. 'The Walking Dead' belated reunion of hand shakes and hugs, one of the highest forms of human communion, declares to all around: "that your lives are forever etched into our conscious crown, as much a part of us, as the blood that fills our veins; flowing as the mighty river until the last drop is drain- ed. You shall never be forgotten as long as there is breath contained. We honor and pay tribute to your ultimate sacrifice arranged, and glory in the celebra- tions of life that you claimed for us in the exchange." ~AHO~ Pressie it still breaks my heart today remembering all these went through,never asking to go to that place but doing their duty to home and country with honor,only to come home to revilement and hatred they did not deserve. My husband spent three long years in that place,only to come home and be shot in the street.My brother two years,and wakes screaming to this day soaking wet and scared to death wanting to know where are his friends? May we forever honor the Warrior,no matter how much we hate the wars!
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MsSouthernOrchid Member
since 2003-07-12
Posts 192 |
Pressie, This is such a beautiful tribute, it really touched my heart. |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Martie Simply, knowing that you took the time to respond is much appreciated! granny, I find no words worthy enough to make a response to your moving post. Per aspera ad astra |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thank you MsSouthernOrchid, That is very kind of you to say! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Pressie: I'm so glad I got to read this! It's a wonderfully moving tribute and I wish everyone could read it! Thanks for posting it here. Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thank you Betty Lou, I appreciate the warm sentiment. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Pressie, I read this when you first put it up...and several times after...and still I don't know what to say I couldn't let it go without saying something though A poem begins with a lump in the throat. |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
"still I don't know what to say" Fair enough Dixie, sometimes things are better left unsaid. Just about bed time here, sweet dreams ps.  |
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PEBBLES Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 69South Australia, Australia |
With total respect and admiration I applaud you, and can only ditto the comments already written. Heart felt thanks to Marge for alerting me to this wonderful ink. VERY BEST WISHES, Helen. [from down under]. |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thanks Helen for sharing your thoughts on the piece! And welcome to the Blue Pages! |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Touching words~~We lost friends...and my husband served as a Marine in the late 60's..this and news on today's war bring back memories... M |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
nakdthoughts, This is a particularly rough time of year for those of us who have lost love ones, friends, comrades,etc. I served in the 1st Bn., 9th Marine Reg., 3rd Mar Div. in 68-69 as a FO (Forward Observer). Over a four year period, from June 16, 1965 to July 14, 1969, the Battalion endured the Longest sustained combat and suffered the Highest Killed In Action (KIA) rate in USMC history. The Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., honors the supreme sacrifice of 737 Marines of the Battalion who are etched on its face. Thanks for the comments and tell your husband I said: Semper Fi |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Wonderful writing...James |
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Pressie Member
since 2006-11-14
Posts 157Oklahoma |
Thank you James! Semper Fidelis |
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