SGT Private RallyPoint Member
522654
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHave any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-any-of-you-written-any-poetry-about-your-military-life-or-your-tours-in-combat"
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<a class="fancybox" rel="f6afc09b5df8b30dfbd32f287c87e530" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/046/for_gallery_v2/wars_copy.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/046/large_v3/wars_copy.jpg" alt="Wars copy" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-2" id="image-29048"><a class="fancybox" rel="f6afc09b5df8b30dfbd32f287c87e530" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/048/for_gallery_v2/troopsonpatrol.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/048/thumb_v2/troopsonpatrol.jpg" alt="Troopsonpatrol" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-3" id="image-29049"><a class="fancybox" rel="f6afc09b5df8b30dfbd32f287c87e530" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/049/for_gallery_v2/POW_Image.png"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/049/thumb_v2/POW_Image.png" alt="Pow image" /></a></div></div>I have written quite a few about my tour and post Vietnam. Here is an example of what I write. This is post Vietnam.<br /><br />It's Been 50 Years<br /><br /><br />It's been 50 Years since I came home from that war,<br />You would think my memories and tears would have drifted afar<br />That's not the case, at least not for me,<br />It seems like it as just yesterday, I was flying, shooting and killing.<br /><br />No, I wasn't scared and was very willing.<br />Protecting those on board going into war<br />Dropping out of the sky, hearing the back packs and ammo rattle.<br />We flew them in, and out of their battle.<br /><br />I can still see the pale white faces,<br />With blood oozing out from different places.<br />Some with peaceful stares, and others with painful, shot up faces.<br /><br />I stare at them thinking about their parents,<br />And who or how they will be told of their son,<br />Who was shot in the face by the enemies gun.<br />Never to see another rising golden sun.<br /><br />The memories will never leave me,<br />And will always haunt the things I've seen.<br />I'm dedicated now to help the living,<br />To put their interests first, and a new beginning.<br /><br />I try to keep my mind busy,<br />And to place the war on a different shelf.<br />But it's no use trying to do that because,<br />My heart and my mind know itself.<br /><br />The memories of my war are fully embedded,<br />And when they sneak back in, they are feared and dreaded.<br />It still breaks my heart, and always will,<br />When I hear of another soldier dying.<br />And I think about their loved ones and all of their crying.<br /><br />© Keith Bodine 12-May-2014
Have any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?
2015-03-10T12:28:16-04:00
SGT Private RallyPoint Member
522654
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHave any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-any-of-you-written-any-poetry-about-your-military-life-or-your-tours-in-combat"
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<a class="fancybox" rel="ef6814b21296a68897cca3c3ff596e28" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/046/for_gallery_v2/wars_copy.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/046/large_v3/wars_copy.jpg" alt="Wars copy" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-2" id="image-29048"><a class="fancybox" rel="ef6814b21296a68897cca3c3ff596e28" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/048/for_gallery_v2/troopsonpatrol.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/048/thumb_v2/troopsonpatrol.jpg" alt="Troopsonpatrol" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-3" id="image-29049"><a class="fancybox" rel="ef6814b21296a68897cca3c3ff596e28" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/049/for_gallery_v2/POW_Image.png"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/029/049/thumb_v2/POW_Image.png" alt="Pow image" /></a></div></div>I have written quite a few about my tour and post Vietnam. Here is an example of what I write. This is post Vietnam.<br /><br />It's Been 50 Years<br /><br /><br />It's been 50 Years since I came home from that war,<br />You would think my memories and tears would have drifted afar<br />That's not the case, at least not for me,<br />It seems like it as just yesterday, I was flying, shooting and killing.<br /><br />No, I wasn't scared and was very willing.<br />Protecting those on board going into war<br />Dropping out of the sky, hearing the back packs and ammo rattle.<br />We flew them in, and out of their battle.<br /><br />I can still see the pale white faces,<br />With blood oozing out from different places.<br />Some with peaceful stares, and others with painful, shot up faces.<br /><br />I stare at them thinking about their parents,<br />And who or how they will be told of their son,<br />Who was shot in the face by the enemies gun.<br />Never to see another rising golden sun.<br /><br />The memories will never leave me,<br />And will always haunt the things I've seen.<br />I'm dedicated now to help the living,<br />To put their interests first, and a new beginning.<br /><br />I try to keep my mind busy,<br />And to place the war on a different shelf.<br />But it's no use trying to do that because,<br />My heart and my mind know itself.<br /><br />The memories of my war are fully embedded,<br />And when they sneak back in, they are feared and dreaded.<br />It still breaks my heart, and always will,<br />When I hear of another soldier dying.<br />And I think about their loved ones and all of their crying.<br /><br />© Keith Bodine 12-May-2014
Have any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?
2015-03-10T12:28:16-04:00
2015-03-10T12:28:16-04:00
PO1 Private RallyPoint Member
667460
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just a side note this is a spoke word poem (versus the traditional poem). Whether you can relate to it or empathize with it or even find it just a good read. This poem came from my soul and a dark part that every veteran carries within them. I have never personally been to war but I have held my brothers and sisters that have. I have seen through their eyes and tried to be a voice for them so they understand they are not alone. They are never alone.<br /><br />Sanctuary<br /><br />Lying in the dark while silence surrounds me,<br />I hear the sounds of war and the screams of dying men.<br />In this sanctuary called home,<br />I realize there is no sanctuary to be found.<br />The safety that we all perceive,<br />Is nothing but lies our minds tell us to deceive.<br />Because even in the quietest moments,<br />Brave souls fight a battle<br />We cannot see therefore cannot believe.<br />Those left behind, crying for lost time<br />And better days that will never come.<br />A life short lived, ended far from home<br />And devoid of any loved ones.<br />As tears stream down we will never know,<br />Never truly comprehend<br />Their final thoughts in the end.<br />For every veteran still alive,<br />How many comrades met their maker before their time?<br />How many 21 gun salutes, flags presented<br />And caskets lower into cold, hard ground<br />Ensured this sense of safety taken for granted?<br />In the heat of battle, dropped one last final time<br />With tears in their eyes and<br />Fond memories playing through their minds?<br />In this, they give the promise<br />Of a better tomorrow and<br />The illusion of sanctuary.<br />Because true sanctuary<br />Cannot be created or manipulated.<br />It must be fought for,<br />Protected and held sacred.<br />Everyone dreams of peace<br />But only they have guaranteed it.<br />They fight for it, cherish it and<br />Safeguard it while sharing it<br />So that there can be better days.<br />Lying in the dark while silence surrounds me,<br />I hear the sounds of war and the screams of dying men.<br /><br />(Written December 27, 2011 by Jennifer Purcell)
Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 11:51 AM
2015-05-14T11:51:33-04:00
2015-05-14T11:51:33-04:00
SrA Private RallyPoint Member
667472
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>@ SGT Keith Bodine Amazing .... I am actually at a loss of words
Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:00 PM
2015-05-14T12:00:13-04:00
2015-05-14T12:00:13-04:00
Sgt David G Duchesneau
672004
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have not written any poetry but I have written a book called "UNIFORMS". From Parochial School to the VC-infested jungles of Vietnam, (69-70), UNIFORMS recounts my experiences. It's a true life story of discipline, commitment, dedication and survival. Uniforms captures the mood of an era. History of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a Marine Combat Veteran. It is a good read!
Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 15 at 2015 9:26 PM
2015-05-15T21:26:44-04:00
2015-05-15T21:26:44-04:00
CPT Alan W.
672127
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I wrote this song when I was in ROTC after having served in the 82nd ABN as an Enlisted Man<br /><br />It's called "The Apprentice" <br /><br />You can hear me sing it at this link: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trashbuckle.com/downloads/apprentice.mp3">http://www.trashbuckle.com/downloads/apprentice.mp3</a><br /><br /> - Verse One -<br /><br />A man rode out of Boston, a traitor to his King and Country<br /><br />He brought with him a message: "stand up against the law!"<br /><br />They were the finest army, no one had stood against their muskets<br /><br />And they would surely parish before the coming of the dawn.<br /><br />And we were not an Army, with fife and drum and discipline<br /><br />But we had ball and we had powder, who needed any more.<br /><br />So we hid behind the bushes and shot them as they marched along.<br /><br />And it wouldn't be the last time, we carried freedom too far.<br /><br /><br /><br /> - Verse Two -<br /><br />And then a sovereign nation, for sixty solid years we stood.<br /><br />No one would come to take us, too poor for our own good.<br /><br />But Freedom's soul grew restless, the sting of battle almost gone.<br /><br />So we fought amongst each other, while everyone looked on.<br /><br />We tested out our egos and found our egos were our master.<br /><br />And in the name of freedom, we carried freedom too far.<br /><br /><br /><br /> - Verse Three -<br /><br />The rifleman meant nothing in the trenches of the modern battle,<br /><br />We thought we'd have conflict to put an end to war.<br /><br />So we sent to them our backbone, a freedom blood for generations.<br /><br />And when the war had ended, we carried freedom too far..<br /><br /><br /><br /> - Verse Four -<br /><br />The twenty years that followed found one extreme and then the other,<br /><br />Another generation found another bloody war.<br /><br />The war was fought with courage and weapons made for mass destruction.<br /><br />In just one tiny atom, we carried freedom too far.<br /><br /><br /><br /> - Verse Five -<br /><br />And now a generation, since battle tested freedom won.<br /><br />We keep the peace with weapons or freedom would be gone.<br /><br />And I am the apprentice in the ways and conduct of the battle,<br /><br />The stock and trade of soldiers is what I've come to know.<br /><br />And like the men before me, the call of freedom I will answer.<br /><br />And like the men before me, I'll carry freedom too far.<br /><br />Underneath a shroud of freedom, I'll carry freedom too far.<br /><br /><br />© Copyright 2005 A Williams (written 1984)
Response by CPT Alan W. made May 15 at 2015 10:32 PM
2015-05-15T22:32:03-04:00
2015-05-15T22:32:03-04:00
MAJ Anthony DeStefano
672179
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is really powerful stuff SGT Keith Bodine...
Response by MAJ Anthony DeStefano made May 15 at 2015 11:06 PM
2015-05-15T23:06:11-04:00
2015-05-15T23:06:11-04:00
SGT Private RallyPoint Member
673856
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I wrote this poem about how I felt we left the Vietnamese civilians to fend for themselves.<br /><br />In Country<br /><br />They began to arrive in '64,<br />Marines and Army, coming to shore.<br />They arrived in Quinhon and Camron Bay,<br />They came to fight, but not to stay.<br /><br />The ships brought thousands of young fighting men,<br />They would fight in the jungles, but they weren't sure when.<br />Their tour of duty was only a year,<br />But 35 years later the war is still near.<br /><br />It's in the minds and bodies of the once young men,<br />It's in the hearts and souls, and will never end.<br />Some of the memories are good and bad,<br />But most of the memories are very sad.<br /><br />The little people who lived there, depended on us,<br />To help them and aid them, their times were tough.<br />I can still see the looks in some of their eyes,<br />Most were filled with fear, some with the lies.<br /><br />We stayed our year, waiting to go home,<br />Some made it on their feet, over 58,000 were prone.<br />Their memory is now inscribed on a black granite wall,<br />In a place we all know, as the D.C. Mall.<br /><br />The little people of Nam were left behind,<br />To fend for themselves in our own rioting time.<br />The pressure of politics soon took it's toll,<br />And forgot about the little people, their heart and soul.<br /><br />In the end, they lost their fight,<br />The men from the North had won their right.<br />They fought a war for their belief,<br />We took police action, in hopes of relief.<br /><br />We fought on their turf, we fought their war,<br />Not really realizing what was finally in store.<br />We fought on their terms in a jungle war,<br />We did what we could in a place so far.<br /><br />We were kids young at heart when we were sent,<br />Our hearts were much older after we went.<br />We went with our honor, duty, and face,<br />Not realizing we would be looked on with much disgrace.<br /><br />If I had it to do over, I would do it again,<br />I would fight this time only to win,<br />I'm not ashamed I went, for in the end,<br />I met many a man who became a life long friend.<br /><br />© Keith (Hacksaw) Bodine 2001
Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 8:49 PM
2015-05-16T20:49:41-04:00
2015-05-16T20:49:41-04:00
SGT Private RallyPoint Member
673867
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I hope you don't mind me posting some of my poems. They describe how I felt or what I was thinking at that particular time in my life. I won't post too many but I want you all to read what being in Vietnam and coming home, how much it hurt.<br /><br />Misery<br />When will I be rid of all this misery,<br />Will it ever end, only a tunnel I see.<br />Each dawn brings another, of promise and hope,<br />But as I slowly awake, it's hard to cope.<br /><br />I think of all the rotten things I have done,<br />And realize they were serious and in the name of fun.<br />I'm not the good person, I would like to be,<br />I'm full of hate and misery.<br /><br />My life is sad and not what it seems,<br />I haven't fulfilled my hopes and dreams.<br />I'm a disappointment to many, I know,<br />If I could turn back time, I would surely go.<br /><br />But that's not possible, so I must live,<br />The life I've been dealt, and all it will give.<br />Will it ever be good, so I can see,<br />The end of the tunnel and all of the misery.<br /><br />©Keith (Hacksaw) Bodine 11-Mar-2003
Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 9:00 PM
2015-05-16T21:00:49-04:00
2015-05-16T21:00:49-04:00
SGT Private RallyPoint Member
673875
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This poem is about when we lost an engine at 5,000 feet.<br /><br />Auto Rotation<br />With teeth and fists clenched very tight,<br />We all know this may be our last flight.<br />We’ve lost an engine at 5000 feet,<br />The pilots tell us, hold on to our seat.<br /><br />We’re over the mountains in dark of night,<br />Everyone is calm on this dreadful flight.<br />The Huey is dropping like a heavy rock,<br />You can hear it’s large rotor doing whop, whop, whop.<br /><br />The pilots are calling for May Day help,<br />I can’t see a thing, just the cards we’ve been dealt.<br />The old Huey’s still dropping, even faster now,<br />I try to remember what I’m supposed to do and how.<br /><br />Mr. Pride says don’t worry, it’s routine trouble,<br />He says when we land get out on the double.<br />Get the guns and the gear and head for cover,<br />I wish we had power so we could hover.<br /><br />The Ground’s approaching fast although like slow motion,<br />I keep thinking I’m glad we’re not over the ocean.<br />Just before we hit he pulled full pitch,<br />We crash on the land and head for a ditch.<br /><br />We lay there a while, watching and waiting,<br />To see if Mr. Charles is only hesitating.<br />The coast looks clear, nobody in site,<br />We set up our guns and prepare for the night.<br /><br />The night is long as we sit and wait,<br />We don’t say it but we ponder our fate.<br />I’m on one end of the ditch, the crew chief on the other,<br />We stand guard all night protecting each brother.<br /><br />Dawn finally arrives and I begin to shudder,<br />As I see our Huey with it’s broken rudder.<br />The tail boom is missing from the other half,<br />The skids are bent double, it’s a pile of trash.<br /><br />Mr. Pride calls another May Day to give our location,<br />We find we’re only a click from our final destination.<br />Another two hours and here they come,<br />Four Hueys, a Chinook, and some infantryman.<br /><br />The grunts spread out, protecting our flanks,<br />As we board another Huey, we give our thanks.<br />To the God up above and all those men,<br />Who knew exactly what to do and where and when.<br /><br />©Keith(Hacksaw)Bodine 15-Apr-1999
Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 9:04 PM
2015-05-16T21:04:09-04:00
2015-05-16T21:04:09-04:00
SGT Private RallyPoint Member
673882
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This will be my last poem post. I never was homeless but it's my take on being homeless by talking with homeless vets.<br /><br />Homeless<br />Where has all the time gone, where the hell did it go,<br />I was once looked up to, I was a war hero.<br />Now I sleep where ever I can, what ever I can find,<br />My face is so old and wrinkled, life has not been kind.<br /><br />A half century ago, I served when I was called to go,<br />I was a combat soldier, proud and brave, ready for the show.<br />My time in Vietnam prepared me for my life,<br />Drugs and booze were my strength, which led to my strife.<br /><br />Today I eat whatever I can find, I sleep wherever I can,<br />I am the people I hate, I am the one they can't stand.<br />The life I know of using drugs and becoming a boozer,<br />Has almost, but not quite, helped make me a total loser.<br /><br />Then one day it happened, I had not thought of Him in years,<br />I fell to my knees in prayer and shed a half century of tears.<br />God told me to rise up, go forth, and again become a man,<br />Now today, I show others like me, what God will do and can.<br /><br />© Keith Bodine 06/21/2007
Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 9:08 PM
2015-05-16T21:08:26-04:00
2015-05-16T21:08:26-04:00
CPT Private RallyPoint Member
674004
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A military haiku:<br />Each morning I train <br />I wear my reflective belt<br />Safety in the gym
Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 10:22 PM
2015-05-16T22:22:34-04:00
2015-05-16T22:22:34-04:00
SPC Ken Harper
731492
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Carrier Flight Ops<br /><br />Lights come on<br />An hour before dawn,<br />Airdales rise as one.<br />We’re under way,<br />And another day<br />Of Flight Ops has begun.<br /><br />A Helo lifts,<br />Nose-down dip,<br />“Angel” is in the sky.<br />Starboard side,<br />Racetrack ride,<br />Plane guard standing by.<br /><br />A tanker flies,<br />Drop-tank centerline,<br />The airborne TEXACO.<br />No credit card needed,<br />Gas will flow freely,<br />Just hit the basket with your probe.<br /><br />A Hummer spins<br />His props and then<br />Spreads those great big wings.<br />The radome twirls<br />As the catapult hurls<br />The turbo E-2C.<br /><br />Sleek and mean,<br />Twin engines scream,<br />A fighter is on the cat.<br />All systems GO,<br />It’s “Tally-ho”<br />See ya when ya trap.<br /><br />Launch cycle is done,<br />The boat turn’s downwind to run,<br />So head below deck for some chow.<br />Or lay in the net<br />On the edge of the deck<br />And watch the ‘fins leap at the bow.<br /><br />Look, here they come,<br />Their mission is done,<br />Planes are in the break.<br />Hear “Paddles” call<br />“Eye on the ball,<br />Don’t anticipate!”<br /><br />Jet engines whine,<br />Add power and climb,<br />LSO told him “Wave-off”.<br />Smoke from his wheels,<br />Then the hook grabs 3 steel,<br />And brings everything to a stop.<br /><br />The lights overhead<br />In the crow’s nest are red<br />Casting their glow on the deck.<br />No stars are shining,<br />The moon is in hiding,<br />On a night that is blacker than jet.<br /><br />The last plane has trapped,<br />Air Boss calls it a wrap,<br />Flights Ops has ended today.<br />Time to get 40 winks,<br />The ship rocks you to sleep,<br />Ending a fine Navy day.<br /><br /><br />© Ken B. Harper<br />5 July 2007
Response by SPC Ken Harper made Jun 7 at 2015 5:26 PM
2015-06-07T17:26:51-04:00
2015-06-07T17:26:51-04:00
SPC Ken Harper
731495
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think we've all "been there" for this one.<br /><br />Christmas in the Barracks <br /><br />Once again its Christmas time,<br />Now, don’t you worry, I’m just fine.<br />I know you wish that I was home,<br />Not talking on the telephone.<br /><br />I got the box you sent to me,<br />Stuffed with all those goodies and things.<br />The guys loved your homemade candy the best,<br />I ate three myself, but shared all the rest.<br /><br />Tonight I’ll read the newspapers you sent,<br />‘Cause I’ve got the midnight watch again.<br />I hung up your card on the bulletin board,<br />And the wreath that you made is on my door.<br /><br />The cooks in the chow hall did a good job,<br />We had turkey and stuffing and corn on the cob, <br />Potatoes and gravy, butter and rolls,<br />Hot chocolate or coffee, and tea – hot or cold.<br /><br />For dessert there were cookies and cakes and pies,<br />We all ate too much and got sleepy eyed.<br />After a nap we watched old Christmas movies;<br />George Bailey, The Grinch, Rudolf and Snoopy.<br /><br />We sang Christmas carols last night in the snow,<br />We used red and green flashlights for a Christmassy glow.<br />We built a big snowman out front by the door,<br />And when it was done, had a huge snowball war!<br /><br />In the box that I sent there are presents for you;<br />The red paper’s yours and dad’s is the blue.<br />Yeah, I wish I was there, not way over here,<br />But I guess it’s my own fault, ‘cause I volunteered.<br /><br />I know grandpa and dad both served our nation,<br />And I hold tradition for my generation.<br />Ready and willing, to stand up and fight,<br />But hoping each one is a sweet, silent night.<br /><br />Well, I’ve gotta go and hang up this phone,<br />Others are waiting so they can call home.<br />Keep us in mind and say a prayer for us,<br />Who’re spending Christmas here in the barracks.<br /><br /><br />© Ken B. Harper<br />30 November 2013
Response by SPC Ken Harper made Jun 7 at 2015 5:30 PM
2015-06-07T17:30:37-04:00
2015-06-07T17:30:37-04:00
SSG Private RallyPoint Member
731500
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have not written poetry, but I do make a regular webcomic that casts a humorous look back at my deployment to Iraq.
Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 5:34 PM
2015-06-07T17:34:13-04:00
2015-06-07T17:34:13-04:00
SPC Ken Harper
731508
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>WHEN PARADISE BURNED<br /><br />With Sunday shipboard church-pennants raised,<br />Padres uttered words of praise,<br />Sailors in their dress whites sang<br />That day in Paradise.<br /><br />Some were tired and sleepin’ in,<br />Others recovering from a night of sin,<br />The Opana radar found something and then<br />Paradise turned into Hell.<br /><br />It took a few minutes to just realize,<br />The planes buzzing ‘round, like bees in the skies,<br />Bombing Oahu in total surprise<br />Were Japanese born and bred.<br /><br />Torpedo planes were dropping their loads,<br />Aiming for Navy ships, tied up in rows,<br />Gray-painted steel, now shot full of holes<br />Zero Seven Fifty-five was the time.<br /><br />Bombs fell at Wheeler and Hickam Field too,<br />Over Bellows, Kaneohe and Ford Island they flew,<br />Bloody oil in Pearl Harbor hid waters of blue<br />Black smoke boiled into the sky.<br /><br />Zeke’s, Val’s and Kate’s sliced through the air,<br />Red meatballs on canvas were everywhere,<br />The carriers they wanted were not even there<br />Utah rolled over and died.<br /><br />Cassin and Downes were destroyed in dry-dock,<br />Three fish hit Oklahoma, to the bottom she dropped,<br />Arizona exploded and upward flames shot<br />The pineapple fleet was destroyed.<br /><br />Nevada was making a run for the sea,<br />At Hospital Point she struggled to beach,<br />The island was covered with death and debris,<br />By 9:45 it was done.<br /><br />Two thousand plus lives were taken away,<br />FDR called it an infamous day,<br />But not four years later, in Tokyo Bay,<br />The victim the victor became.<br /><br />And so, on the seventh day of December,<br />With flags at half-mast, as TAPS is played tender,<br />Honor is paid, to those we remember,<br />The boys who will never go home.<br /><br /><br />© Ken B. Harper<br />9 October 2006
Response by SPC Ken Harper made Jun 7 at 2015 5:36 PM
2015-06-07T17:36:17-04:00
2015-06-07T17:36:17-04:00
SPC Ken Harper
731513
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Sparkle of Youth<br /><br />Although he looks so old<br />He can be young in a minute.<br />Just ask him ‘bout the war<br />And the part that he played in it.<br /><br />His eyes are clouded over<br />Kinda dingy yellow-gray.<br />But just you watch ‘em sparkle<br />When he talks about those days.<br /><br />Wading snow in Europe<br />Or the warm and blue Pacific,<br />Tho’ long ago and far away<br />The scenes are still horrific.<br /><br />How buddies and himself<br />Walked through liberated towns.<br />Where enemies’ red blood<br />Was still fresh upon the ground.<br /><br />Old folks and little children<br />Were giving waves and cheers.<br />To Sailors, Grunts and Army boys,<br />Thru their joyful tears.<br /><br />Of all the foreign women<br />Whose kisses and red wine,<br />Were given out “merci beaucoup”,<br />For saving their young lives.<br /><br />He’ll tell you ‘bout the landing<br />On some Pacific Isle.<br />Planes and lead were flyin’,<br />And grown men screamed and cried.<br /><br />Hackin’ thru the jungle,<br />Climbing mountain sides.<br />Napalm into “spider holes”,<br />Where everything got fried.<br /><br />Cuttin’ waves and swells,<br />Leavin’ wakes behind.<br />Dodgin’ kamikaze’s<br />That were fallin’ from the sky.<br /><br />Getting “R and R”<br />In a safe, secure lagoon.<br />The skeeter’s and the sand flea’s<br />Made leavin’ none too soon.<br /><br />He’ll pause a time or two,<br />And maybe shed a tear.<br />Thinkin’ ‘bout the time<br />He lost a friend so very dear.<br /><br />But, wipe away the tears,<br />Laugh and kinda smile.<br />Chalk it up to plain old luck<br />He made it through alive.<br /><br />He’ll tell you in the scheme of things,<br />“It was nothing that I done”.<br />But together doin’ nothin’<br />Is how the war was won.<br /><br />Hold his wrinkled hand,<br />Say “I’m thankful that you served”.<br />Your simple phrase of gratitude<br />Is more than gold is worth.<br /><br />Before you walk away,<br />Turn, wave and say goodbye.<br />You’ll see a smile there on his face,<br />A twinkle in his eye.<br /><br />Although he looks so old<br />He was young for several minutes.<br />‘Cause someone asked him ‘bout the war<br />And the part that he played in it.<br /><br /><br />© Ken B. Harper<br />10 December 2005<br /><br />Dedicated to those who fought the enemies of freedom and democracy and who<br />endured the hardships and elements to keep the world safe, until it was my turn.
Response by SPC Ken Harper made Jun 7 at 2015 5:39 PM
2015-06-07T17:39:36-04:00
2015-06-07T17:39:36-04:00
Vit Spirek
1115926
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unfortunately I write in my native language (czech) it is very dificult poetry translate to english with same thought inside and bauty cover in words<br /><br />You can try that traslate the original is very dificult, someone would help me translate it no only via translator but for better understaanding and nice feelings<br /><br />W (Cassiopeia) (vit) 1994 <br />very small part from this poem in native czech language<br /><br />Theatron zarostlý travou<br />slunce v zenitu spaluje záda<br />malé děvčátko s loutkou<br />hraje svoji roli tak ráda<br />před očima kroužícíh ptáků,<br />diváků, co tleskají křídly,<br />hraje svoji roli s loutkou,<br />tak ráda<br /><br />Theatron odráží její hlas dál<br />a ozvěny silně zní i když je theatron ospalý horkem<br />posílá blesky slunce jako polibky na obdiv<br /><br />keříčky se zájmem chvějí o rozpustilou malou princeznu,<br />vítr si pohrává s jejími vlasy a chladí její nohy pod růžovou malou sukničkou<br /><br />orel se skrytou tváří muže usedá do jedné z lavic<br />a odkrývá ji svoji tvář<br /><br />sotva ho však pohladí<br />odlétá a mizí v dálce theatronu<br />zbylo po něm jen pár pírek z jeho mohutných křídel<br />a v jeho maskování jako vojáka v poli vidí ho jen ona<br />chce ho chovat, hladit po vlasech<br />a v několika krásných cvicích ukázat svoji hbitost i krásu<br /><br />drží ted v ruce jen pár pírek<br />a přeje si dál, aby její sen se stal<br /><br />...<br />its very dificult to translate but one day i hope taht some one help me with my poems, I can write in this time only in native, you know
Response by Vit Spirek made Nov 18 at 2015 3:50 AM
2015-11-18T03:50:01-05:00
2015-11-18T03:50:01-05:00
HN Robert Barquist
1209358
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes; including one that recounted the day I saved my best buddy's life in VN 1971.
Response by HN Robert Barquist made Jan 1 at 2016 3:34 PM
2016-01-01T15:34:28-05:00
2016-01-01T15:34:28-05:00
SSG Kenneth Hammes
1441980
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHave any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-any-of-you-written-any-poetry-about-your-military-life-or-your-tours-in-combat"
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<a class="fancybox" rel="110d9cc828ee82095075460ee2c7df23" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/085/438/for_gallery_v2/8ab1025c.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/085/438/large_v3/8ab1025c.jpg" alt="8ab1025c" /></a></div></div>I wrote this one when I was in Basic Training in 1993.
Response by SSG Kenneth Hammes made Apr 9 at 2016 9:22 PM
2016-04-09T21:22:52-04:00
2016-04-09T21:22:52-04:00
SSG Kenneth Hammes
1441998
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<a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AHave any of you written any poetry about your military life or your tours in combat?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-any-of-you-written-any-poetry-about-your-military-life-or-your-tours-in-combat"
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<a class="fancybox" rel="1aea39e1c6d19757550284adcbdc6b7f" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/085/441/for_gallery_v2/da86a315.png"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/085/441/large_v3/da86a315.png" alt="Da86a315" /></a></div></div>I wrote this poem as my remarks for my Retirement Ceremony.<br /><br />I titled it: "My Watch Has Ended"
Response by SSG Kenneth Hammes made Apr 9 at 2016 9:29 PM
2016-04-09T21:29:18-04:00
2016-04-09T21:29:18-04:00
2015-03-10T12:28:16-04:00