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Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

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As Long As ...
by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner → (All Poetry by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner)
   Rated "G" by the Author.
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For those who would rather celebrate than remember the real reason behind Memorial Day -


Poem Artwork

... as long as it isn't your son/your
daughter/your daddy/your mother/
your brother/your sister (or some
other distant relative) that is counted
among the stripes of red --- and as
long as it doesn't interrupt something
as important as bargains/three day
weekends/or a picnic on a field of blue
--- and as long as the white stripes
don't trip your apathetic/forgetful feet as
you worship the wrong kind of stars ...
enjoy your celebration.  All I ask is you
remember why there is a Memorial Day.

(c) 2008, Karla Dorman (5/26)

 

 


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 Reviews of "As Long As ..."
Reviewed by Safi Abdi
Reviewed on May 28, 2008
This took my breath away...how very true! safi

Reviewed by Kate Burnside
Reviewed on May 27, 2008
Too lamentably true. I have read many tributes and laments with pain and much sorrow, but it is perhaps the forwards with the visual attachments of photos of individuals that bring it all home as more personal than "mere words and sentiment". But then, I don't watch TV or the News so am perhaps very visually sensitive. Right between the eyes, Karla, which is what we expect from you. And what we deserve. Keepin it real as always. Love, Kate xx

Reviewed by Sheila Roy
Reviewed on May 27, 2008
We honor the day every year. I think that makes many of us forget the true meaning and why it was made a holiday in the first place. It's not about getting a day off from work. Personally, the day makes me feel sad and grateful. This is a powerful reminder to us all, Karla. Love and Hugs.
Sheila

Reviewed on May 27, 2008
that gave me a bitter taste, as perhaps well it should...Karla, you sure do have a way with words. well done.

be well and happy,
Kathy

Reviewed by Georg Mateos
Reviewed on May 27, 2008
Mr Ed said it with the same words that are in my heart.

Georg

Reviewed by Cryssa C
Reviewed on May 27, 2008
To me... Memorial Day is also about remembering ALL of those who have passed on... not only those who fought and died for our freedoms. I do not have many relatives from my past who were military members, although I have several now...so I view Memorial Day as a day of remembering those that I was/am close to...

Cryssa

Reviewed on May 27, 2008
Thank you Karla for your poem, in addition to the fun, i do remember the reason for the holiday. it brings me to tears each memorial day
Sincerely
Tuchy

Reviewed by Mr. Ed
Reviewed on May 27, 2008
I think you've powerfully summed up one of the biggest problems in our world today - apathy.

Reviewed by Randall Barfield
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Ouch! We needed that. Take care.

Reviewed by E T Waldron
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Telling it like it is! Powerful, Karla! ET

Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Wonderful writing sweet lady..well done indeed...stay safe and well...Hugss

Reviewed by Elizabeth Price
Reviewed on May 26, 2008

Amen. But I do celebrate the freedom these brave men and women gave their lives for. Never to forget the debt I owe them. Excellent write. Liz

Reviewed by Susan de Vegter
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
The difference in a holiday and one with meaning is in your words. Apathy is killing all of us and the choking sounds are heard all over America today. Thanks for your patriotism. I wish there were more just like you.
Your poetically lathargic peer,
Susan

Reviewed by Gene Williamson
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
You got it right, Karla. Well done. And thanks. - Gene.

Reviewed by Gianetta Ellis (Reader)
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Wonderful write, Karla. How true; how poignant.

Reviewed by Lois Christensen
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Remembering always Memorial Day. Flowers, Flags, put on cemetery to remember them by. All the past dead soldiers to be remembered and the ones fighting now to be prayed for. Each year we should be celebrating in a bigger way to honor that many more who have died.

Reviewed by Felix Perry
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Perhaps if there is going to be a holiday to remember...maybe it should be taught from the time children are very young that the day is meant to go to a Veterans memorial, vist a Veterans home or hospital, or other similiar activities to truly pay tribute to the day and what it is for.

Fee

Reviewed on May 26, 2008
I am reminded every day of what the soldiers do for us, when I sit down to Pray, to read the word, I know that I am able to do this, because the Lord sent brave men and women into our life so we may taste freedom, thank you for sharing
God Bless
Michelle~

Reviewed by George Carroll
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
We forget so easily.

Reviewed by John Leko
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
...this...as written...and the way...it is...becomes perhaps of many you have penned...one of your best yet.
so well said Karla...
John

Reviewed by Rose Rideout
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Thank you Karla as you speak up fpr so many.

Newfie Hugs coming your way, Rose

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
i applaud this write--things have changed a lot since i was a kid--even us school kids took flags to the cemetaries etc--now--it seems to be just another day to party--enjoyed your write

Reviewed on May 26, 2008
HUMANKIND EVERYWHERE IS MORE CONCERNED ON BUYING A NEW CAR... ~ FAMILY, COUNTRY AND HONOR ARE JUST DISPOSAL SUBJECTS. EVERYTHING TODAY IS A JOKE. ~ WHO CELEBRATES *** HOLLOWEEN? ***

"As Long As..." rings the bells of Justice.

As long as we keep the CLICHE culture, and ignore the values of a true country, the shared responsibility of the citinzery, and full obedience of our Caconstitution, (USA) we will have no MEMORY.

My gratitude to You, Commander Poet.

Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed by Bonnie May
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
WOW, Well said, I can not add a thing. Love, Bonnie

Reviewed by Jeanette Cooper
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
An important reminder for all who enjoy the freedoms fought and won by those who now rest beneath the crosses of war.

Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Those who forget the real reason behind Memorial Day should be ashamed of themselves, that's all I have to say! But if we were attacked again, they'd be all for our veterans, praying for protection. Hypocrites, that's what they are!! Sad how apathetic America has become towards those who gave the ultimate price for the freedoms we now enjoy! It's madness! Powerful, no-holds-barred, in your face writing; brava for your courage! And BRAVA for your service in the USAF; THANK YOU and God bless YOU!! *SALUTE* I have NOT forgotten, nor will I EVER!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <

Reviewed by Bernice Angoh
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Couldn't have said it better! Powerful!

Reviewed by Ronald Hull
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Write on, Carla, write on.

Ron

Reviewed by Paul Berube
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Very well said Karla. My sentiments exactly. God bless you my friend.

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
Excellent reminder, Karla for the real reason for this holiday.


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