I developed this poem to be placed in the forward section of my book, TUFFY'S HEROES-Revised Edition. Now available at: www.gipubs.com.
This book follows the hilarious mis-adventures of a flight of basic recruits and their Drill instructors (T.I.s), as they romp through their basic training in 1968! The poem pertains to my memories of drilling my flights of basic trainees many, many years ago. And the one thing all drill instructors tried to do was have their recruits establish a marching rhythm and "heel-beat" and listen to the "thunder" the heel-beat provides. And all those trainees and drill instructors worked very hard under the hot Texas sun of Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, Texas to learn how to establish this marching rhythm.
Go to the "Articles" or "Book" section of my site and read all about TUFFY'S HEROES including a chapter from the book involving a basic recruit who thinks he's a werewolf!! Order TUFFY'S HEROES through most on-line bookstores such as: barnes&noble.com, Amazon.com or phone-in orders through the publisher at: 301-695-1707. The book's ISBN # is: 1413721311. It can also be ordered through the Publisher's web-site at: www.publishamerica.com.
IN SEARCH OF THUNDER
I find myself recalling those distant days,
When the rhythm of their heel-beat
Would turn heads in wonder,
Of just how hard they worked in many ways,
In search of that sound of thunder.
The Texas sun in mid-July
Came burning down upon them all,
I remember well those fire-filled skies,
And still they marched, not one to fall.
In search of that sound of thunder.
The heat of the day turned uniforms black,
Perspiration on their faces glistened,
I watched them march and then turned my back,
And closed my eyes and listened.
In search of that sound of thunder.
And there it was! That rhythm, that heel-beat!
The hairs on my arms stood tall,
I spun around, almost tripping on my feet,
And marveled at the sight of them all.
For they had found that sound of thunder.
And now those days have long passed by,
But my memories will never put asunder,
How all those flights of men would try
To search for that sound of thunder.
Let us never forget who led these men
In their search for that sound of thunder,
I am proud to say I was once one of them
An.Air Force Military Training Instructor.
It takes mighty strong people to go through basic training and drilling like you describe her. Those are the best people when finished though and our men and women serving their country are there because they want to be and I am so proud of them. It took much training to get them to where they are today. I just say a prayer for the Lord to keep them safe til they can all come home again.
Very nicely done. You are technically expert in developing your vibrant mood, vivid imagery, compelling narrative and engaging theme. I was intrigued from beginning to end.
I enjoyed myself at my daughters graduation in TX
she made the thunder and we are so proud of her!
Yes, you all will always be remembered in awe!
Thank you for another bird's eye view of a MTI and the troops!
Now that is coming from an Ex-JarHead Tuffy~ (((smile)))
From the Heart of an Artist Quiet Storm
Reviewed by Doug White (Reader)
Reviewed on July 19, 2006
Great poem!!!!! How well I remember those days of drilling the troops. I recall your dignity, professionalism and determination to get the "sound of thunder".
Reviewed by Susan Cook-Jahme (Reader)
Reviewed on April 21, 2004
A great write Tuffy. Thanks for sharing.
Reviewed by Kevin Mc Crum (Reader)
Reviewed on April 2, 2004
This is an excellent piece of poetry.
Well metered and capture of image and ideal!
Great job.
I swear Karla knows everyone in Texas..
I loved the rhythm and beat in this poem - you
certainly made it shine..and while I am not a
supporter for war, I certainly respect the warriors
who wear the uniform. My Dad was on the beach at Normandy
with his brothers and he worked with a General
as an MP.. I think this was great to write about your
time. My Dad never talked about it and he's gone - so I
can't really ask him.
Nice job- keep writing what's in your heart.
- Donna
Reviewed by Gabor Renner (Reader)
Reviewed on February 17, 2004
Dear Comrade Tuffy
The bitter-sweet memories rewaken of marching feet and the "hate-love affairs" we had with our "Instr-Uof" (Instructions-NCO) as a recruit - and then later the other way round...
Very well written, Joe. I could hear the thunder of all those marching feet. Visit me sometime.
Love in Christ~~
Bonnie Q
Unicorn Haven
Reviewed by Vesna Perkovic (Reader)
Reviewed on October 17, 2003
And now those days have long gone by,
But my memories will never put asunder,
How all those flights of men would try
To search for that sound of thunder.
Indeed the sound of thunder is a sound most revel in..I know I do!!!
Well written,
Enjoyed the write tremndously...nearly began marching myself..LOL
An illustrated developmental history of the American military chemical and biological protective respirator for use against war agents, this work provides photographs of actual respirator specimens and several useful appendices, in addition to its en
Mushroom Cloud, a fact-based historical novel, is the first book of The First Strike Trilogy: USA and the Soviet Union are building nuclear arms for a face off in a potential nuclear war in the late 1950's and early 1960's.
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Please stop by my authors den sometime and let me know what you think of my work! I will be tracking your work and I look forward to reading more!
CarolHawks
Sandy
I salute YOU!
John Michael Domino, Major, USAF (ret.)
Ted
"In Search Of Thunder"
A well written poetic narrative!
I enjoyed myself at my daughters graduation in TX
she made the thunder and we are so proud of her!
Yes, you all will always be remembered in awe!
Thank you for another bird's eye view of a MTI and the troops!
Now that is coming from an Ex-JarHead Tuffy~ (((smile)))
From the Heart of an Artist Quiet Storm
Well metered and capture of image and ideal!
Great job.
I loved the rhythm and beat in this poem - you
certainly made it shine..and while I am not a
supporter for war, I certainly respect the warriors
who wear the uniform. My Dad was on the beach at Normandy
with his brothers and he worked with a General
as an MP.. I think this was great to write about your
time. My Dad never talked about it and he's gone - so I
can't really ask him.
Nice job- keep writing what's in your heart.
- Donna
The bitter-sweet memories rewaken of marching feet and the "hate-love affairs" we had with our "Instr-Uof" (Instructions-NCO) as a recruit - and then later the other way round...
Great poetry - you have inspired me!
Kamaradschaftlich and
Bonne Service!
Wachtmeister
(ret. Sgt Gabor Renner, Swiss Army Medical Corps)
Love in Christ~~
Bonnie Q
Unicorn Haven
But my memories will never put asunder,
How all those flights of men would try
To search for that sound of thunder.
Indeed the sound of thunder is a sound most revel in..I know I do!!!
Well written,
Enjoyed the write tremndously...nearly began marching myself..LOL
Vesna
i'm so glad you re-posted this outstanding write--i can still make thunder LOL after twenty years LOL
powerful and very moving piece--thank you, sir, for sharing it once again--into my library it goes
(((HUGS))) and love *and a salute*
karla. :)
Reindeer