* Written for a friend who is fighting a private battle...
Eyya Manni Kanni
He comes and goes like the wind,
Leaving no trail to follow,
Only sweet memories of what he once was,
Memories that flow in the early morning breeze,
Causing the leaves to whisper among them,
Even the trees mumble in their rough voices,
Wondering what roads he has traveled of late,
Hoping he will stay by the fire tonight,
And warm them with his tales of great adventures…
He looks weary this warrior,
Home from another battle,
It has taken its toll on him,
His eyes are not as bright,
His color a bit gray…
He looks at us,
Wondering if we will forgive him for leaving us once again,
But he is what he is,
And we love him all the same.
He tells us of his battles,
His love he found among the ruins,
Small jokes that made us smile,
And miss his presence here at home.
Ah but when he rose,
I noticed he limped a bit,
And was slower to smile,
His eyes returned to the children,
Sitting at his feet,
I saw the ache in his heart,
And asked if he would be staying this time…
Ah, he said in his sad way,
There is another battle l must fight,
But I will return here if I can.
“Eyya manni kanni”, he said as he walked away.
(Do not forget me)
Ah Sweet Prince.
Never.
How could I forget the warrior who saved me?
Who gave me hope and life again.
Who taught me that good men do walk on this earth.
Who slayed the red dragon with his mighty sword,
Dear one,
You will not ever be forgotten,
You name will be remembered as long as the wind blows,
For it is whispered among the trees every morning,
And every child hears it.
In the song of names,
You are remembered,
It is carved on our hearts,
And when the Eagle flies overhead,
We know it is you,
Coming home once again…
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Reviews of "Eyya Manni Kanni"
Reviewed by B Thomas Daniels (Reader)
Reviewed on April 19, 2006
"He looks at us,
Wondering if we will forgive him for leaving us once again,
But he is what he is,
And we love him all the same."
I prayed that you would. I can not express in words how much this poem meant to me when you sent it. We often go through life wondering if we have a positive impact on the world around us, wondering if we have actually made a difference in our short fragile existence on this world. I am happy that in some small way I have.
Retta this is so beautiful. One is never dead as long as they are remembered, and I for one will remember this hero forever. Very well done, and so soulful.
Bobbi
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on February 11, 2006
The spirit can never be quashed, and it will soar again. It knows no other way...
I LOVE the way you WRITE. No one paints word-pictures better,
especially where it comes to the natural world. You make us see
and hear and feel. What a gift!! T h a n k y o u, 'deer. <3
How could I forget the warrior who saved me?
Who gave me hope and life again.
Who taught me that good men do walk on this earth.
Who slayed the red dragon with his mighty sword
A truly marvelous tribute to a very special friend, Reindeer, and a marvelous poem, worthy of being saved and savored many many times.
Like the eagle who flies on wings and soars to a new-found freedom to fight battles of a different nature, so is the warrior who plays a flute that had once been a rifle barrel. An instrument of destruction had turned into an instrument of music. A warrior scales down the size of his battles, trims the feathers on his flute, but he doesn't quit! He regroups, reorganizes, reschedules, and even retreats, but he does not resign! Eyya Manni Kanni is just in a waiting phase. Spiritual tribute, Reindeer.
Such dignity coupled with such sadness that comes with the inevitable demise of that which erodes through fleshly frailty, perhaps... and yet the spirit endures and continues to increase in value and stature. Like anything noble and worthy, this man can only become more and more precious as time passes - whatever the struggle. The pathos is palpable here, Retta. TY and bless you, Kate xx
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on February 8, 2006
A remarkable poem, and most enjoyable to read.
I hope your eagle makes it home again.
Reviewed by Jane Rodway (Reader)
Reviewed on February 8, 2006
You really described a fighter well, because I realized with each stanza that this person was a warrior. Great.
Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*® (Reader)
Reviewed on February 8, 2006
Dear Reindeer,
Your words move the soul. What a loving tribute for your friend.
Reindeer, when I read you all else becomes irrelevant! I lose myself in your poems! I love this one especially ,it is so beautifully written! Kudo's! Thanks for sharing your gift!
Eileen^
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on February 8, 2006
Oh, yes, indeed, I can associate with this man, I have had a few battles in my time. Like him, I found love among the ruins, her name is Dottie. Like him I kept leaving. Like me, I hope he can find a place in the universe to land. Very touching and well done poetry.
Yes, we all have such persons, groups, situations, in our lives, and you have given us a realm of hope in hanging on to them... in whatever way our personalities will allow. This one is good... so good I've put it over in that little cache were I keep valued things which are priceless. Thank you, Dear Lady. - Bill
This is a heartwarming tribute to a great warrior, who remains implacable and impassive in the face of adversity !
This passage says it all ! " But he is what he is," Retta
Love the photo of the white tailed eagle soaring overhead !
Peter
Major League ballplayer Justin Moore is kidnapped from his own ballpark and transported to a foreign land. It might take high-level international negotiations to free him. Or maybe he will take matters into his own hands.
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
Major League ballplayer Justin Moore is kidnapped from his own ballpark and transported to a foreign land. It might take high-level international negotiations to free him. Or maybe he will take matters into his own hands.
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Wondering if we will forgive him for leaving us once again,
But he is what he is,
And we love him all the same."
I prayed that you would. I can not express in words how much this poem meant to me when you sent it. We often go through life wondering if we have a positive impact on the world around us, wondering if we have actually made a difference in our short fragile existence on this world. I am happy that in some small way I have.
Thank you M'Lady
peace and blessings,
Carolyn
This is an exceptional poem. Beautifully written and enjoyed
Bobbi
especially where it comes to the natural world. You make us see
and hear and feel. What a gift!! T h a n k y o u, 'deer. <3
Carmen
Yet you've pointed out the need for hope
without which we could not fight the battles.
Who gave me hope and life again.
Who taught me that good men do walk on this earth.
Who slayed the red dragon with his mighty sword
A truly marvelous tribute to a very special friend, Reindeer, and a marvelous poem, worthy of being saved and savored many many times.
beautiful poetry ...
Sage
Paul;-)
I hope your eagle makes it home again.
Your words move the soul. What a loving tribute for your friend.
Love & Light,
Joseph
Great work!!
Love Tinka
Eileen^
Your words soar just like the majestic eagle! Magnificence reigns in your pen! BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
This passage says it all ! " But he is what he is," Retta
Love the photo of the white tailed eagle soaring overhead !
Peter
saved this one thankyou Retta!! Just love your work..
vesna.)
This is absolutely beautiful, soaring poetry.
"In the song of names,
you are remembered,
it is carved on our hearts,
and when the Eagle flies overhead,
we know it is you
coming home once again."
Stunning eulogy, heartfelt emotion, rich with hope. Thank you!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.