Open Poetry #34 |
Ratleader's Remembrance Challenge |
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Eleventh Day... Eleventh Hour A moment of silence is such small change To give to those who proudly rearranged Or gave their own lives in order that we Could know the real meaning of liberty. My Dad’s brother fought in the first world war But a dented hard hat tucked in a drawer Was all that I knew of his sacrifice. They all believed that their war would suffice. But once again the world turned upside down And my father left his home and small town To find himself right in the depths of hell Years later, he can only say “the smell” - Oh, he’ll talk avidly of later days When slim, pretty French girls would stand and wave But of that beach landing, he cannot speak He just shakes his head and lets the tears leak. The Korean war I know from TV But all these years later, the DMZ Is still in existence… the search for peace Met with hostilities that will not cease. Vietnam was where my generation Headed the minute their graduation Ceremonies were over – and losses there Were almost more than my heart could bear Working at Fort Polk, I stood and waved goodbye And though my friends never saw me cry I shed plenty of tears… and I still do They returned to shunning a nation should rue. So much of the Gulf war was televised We saw the missiles against the night skies, Cheered at the brevity, quick victory – But again found that peace wasn’t to be. Today, we have soldiers in far away lands Doing their duties as best as they can Longing for quiet and saying their prayers That home and family soon will be theirs. So many veterans to remember Deserve more than one day in November But breath of silence I gladly will give With heartfelt gratitude, long as I live. |
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© Copyright 2004 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Well said, suthern ...very well said! Thank you. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
...lest we forget... A memorable tribute to those who gave and to those who continue to give. EA |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
suthern A beautiful write, but it sems the nature of man can't be changed. |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
Yes...it is a good day for remembrance, and this has a voice whispering within it that goes to the heart. Well done, Laura-gal! ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
A very well done Ruth, this is such a beautiful write. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
very well done Ruth, and so beautiful. The greatest beauty on earth, is |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Suthern, if there was one who could do this better than you, I haven't met that poet yet... |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
SweetSuthern~ This is just so perfect~ Tender and touching in the telling~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost, |
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Ericc Member Elite
since 2003-01-31
Posts 4178 |
Great write! Eric |
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