Monday, May 28, 2012

Never Forget



Poppies
ironic emblem
for Memorial Day,
opium
for a nation's conscience

 Forget:
sand, boredom,
taste of blood, beer,
smell of tobacco,
 burning flesh,
sound of laughter,
 screams, explosions, curses
Remember: ‘honor, bravery, sacrifice’
Young soldiers
with ghosts behind their eyes
So much to forget...
so much to remember...
Thank you.


Image by treehugger.com

This is a re-post of a poem I wrote for Memorial Day last year.   This is my attempt to express thanks for a sacrifice I can't even imagine.  It is also linked to IGRT for their Open Link Monday where you will find many wonderful poems.
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17 comments:

  1. Pat HattMay 28, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    Whether a repeat or not, still holds much truth, big thanks indeed.

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  2. GailMay 28, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    This gave me chills. What a wonderful tribute honoring those who have served but also acknowledging the "ghosts" that will always be with them.

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    1. Other MaryMay 28, 2012 at 11:37 PM

      Thank you Gail. I want to show thanks without glorifying war, and the terrible toll it takes even from those who come back intact physically.

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  3. AnonymousMay 28, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    I am poppied.

    I'd never read this before...

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    Replies
    1. Other MaryMay 28, 2012 at 11:38 PM

      I hope being poppied is good Mary. Hope you had a good weekend.

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  4. TomMay 28, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    amen, true stuff

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  5. PattiKenMay 28, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    This is very moving.

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  6. Judy RoneyMay 29, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    What an interesting thought you have here about the Poppy and it's emblem for those who fought. Now I will have to find out why that is the veteran's emblem. :)

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    Replies
    1. Other MaryJune 2, 2012 at 8:53 AM

      Thanks Judy. Yes, that's just a connection I made, I don't know the actual history behind it.

      Delete
  7. ScarletMay 29, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    This is so beautiful and touching ~ (I also wrote about the red poppy) ~

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    Replies
    1. Other MaryJune 2, 2012 at 8:52 AM

      Thanks Heaven, I appreciate it. I read, and liked, yours as well.

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  8. shawnacyMay 30, 2012 at 2:40 AM

    having quite a few friends who are serving and who have served, i can attest to young people with ghosts behind their eyes.
    it must be acknowledged.

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  9. Hot Rod PicsMay 31, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    As a veteran and a poet, I completely feel this. Well done, thank you.

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  10. Other MaryJune 2, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    Thank you very much Steve. I'm glad this hit the right note with you. And thank you for your service.

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