* This poem was written as a response to an email sent to me showing the many good things that our soldiers are doing in Iraq. They asked me: " Why isn't this shown on National TV. I wonder...
My Thanks to Jerry Bolton for his suggestions on how to make this clear.
The Face of War
Sweet child of War,
A victim of corruption and misused power…
Held in caring hands of a weary soldier,
too tired to weep…
He holds this sweet child in the safety of his arms,
soothing her fear with the strength of his courage,
His soldier’s heart breathes compassion!
How can you call him uncaring?
This is the face of war.
Wary soldiers who have not forgotten,
how small and helpless a child is,
how cold and cruel the world can be!
He cradles her gently in his arms,
daring the enemy to try to harm her!
His comrades march behind him,
Angered by the Innocent victims of this battle;
this is the face of war.
Shown in the heart of one who battles,
the injustice of the world,
what will he see in his dreams tonight?
What does he feel in his heart?
Look at the face of war!
See the sweet tenderness in his comforting,
of this child today!
Oh brave Knight!
Our prayers go with you in every step;
our hearts are with you as you rise each morning,
how deeply my heart is tore!
To see you sitting there,
where you should not have to be,
the pride and hope in my heart swells,
as I see your compassion for this child.
You have taught us to see in stark reality,
the truth behind their lies;
this is more powerful than shattered lives,
and gruesome gore!
The bittersweet compassion,
in the armored heart of our soldiers!
The devastation and horror,
in the sad and innocent,
The contradictions are immense. Now we have another slaughter of innocent civilians to deal with. But there are no civilians in war, only targets. Colateral damage is expected. Euphonisms for death and maiming. Nothing is gained in this.
You list yourself as a grunt. Infantry or Marines? I never served.
Ron
Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*® (Reader)
Reviewed on April 29, 2006
Dear Reindeer,
The face of war is ugly, even in beautiful moments like this. Surely, this soldiers life was changed forever by this experience.
May your heart & soul be blessed for sharing this portrait of compassion.
There is humanity reside within. The truth is the those who really suffer the most are the children of the wars. There is compassion and humanity resides within everyone of us. Soldiers are of no exception.
Retta,
You bring tears to my old and tired eyes this day..I now know that even in my absence there are some like yourself, Jerry and Karla and others that keep the light on our warriors bright and warm.
The face of war as multifaceted as it is, allows us a looksee into each one with humbled eyes and heart.
Bless You Retta for this caring and loving tribute to all those that make that ultimate sacrifice.
Lisa
Reviewed by B Thomas Daniels (Reader)
Reviewed on April 25, 2006
Excellent tribute Reindeer. Though I am still having trouble coming up with a poem for this challenge you have made it look easy.
I bow to your excellence
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on April 25, 2006
The soldier who holds the child, no matter what uniform they wear is the one I will keep in my prayers! :-)
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on April 25, 2006
American soldiers are the best..
Thanks for this excellent write..
Thank you for capturing the compassion of our men and women in battle; they are not the heartless babykillers (shades of 'Nam?) the media is determined to portray them as. A beautifully moving write and pic...as a Veteran, I salute you.
One wonders why we have to go to war, eepecially when innocent lives are in question. War is hell on everyone involved: friends, enemies, innocents that we don't even know. That picture says it all! Powerful, emotive piece you have penned here; very well done! BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears <
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on April 25, 2006
Reindeer, I am stunned this morning. You are very kind to link my name to this piece of compassionate poetry, I never knew you . . . Thank you. The poem is so wonderful. Even withough the photo, and I am not a great fan of photos accompanying poetry, thinking the poem should stand alone. Still, with THIS poem, it would not have been complete without the accompanying picture. You know, if the media, who will never admit to anything worthwhile coming out of the war, would concentrate on things such as this and quit badgering the war effort on a daily, constant whine, the response of the American people would be overwhelmingly in favor of our fight to maintain our freedom. I am not holding my breath that the news media will cease and desist promoting the lie that this administration is more evil than the terrorists. For that I shall never forgive them. Thank you once again for adding my name to this wonderful write.
Retta
A heartfelt and poignant pen, that shows the true face of battle in Iraq, where our soldiers are engaged in a War of Liberation against an evil and impassive foe...
The picture is very moving, and Jerry Bolton has done extrememly well in choreographing this stark reality along with you !
Love,Peace and Harmony
Peter
Reindeer this is awesome! You have put a face on the side that never gets seen! The compassion of our soldiers, and military that fight against all odds to do what they believe is good for our country. They deserve our heartfelt thanks and honor regardless of how we personally feel about war, and they deserve to be recognized for the brave caring hearts they have!Thank you, and may they also be blessed by your words! Thanks also to Jerry!
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You list yourself as a grunt. Infantry or Marines? I never served.
Ron
The face of war is ugly, even in beautiful moments like this. Surely, this soldiers life was changed forever by this experience.
May your heart & soul be blessed for sharing this portrait of compassion.
Love & Light,
Joseph
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o(
Regis
The old chessnut is that "wars will cease when men refuse to kill eachother"
You bring tears to my old and tired eyes this day..I now know that even in my absence there are some like yourself, Jerry and Karla and others that keep the light on our warriors bright and warm.
The face of war as multifaceted as it is, allows us a looksee into each one with humbled eyes and heart.
Bless You Retta for this caring and loving tribute to all those that make that ultimate sacrifice.
Lisa
I bow to your excellence
Thanks for this excellent write..
Love Tinka
Thank you for capturing the compassion of our men and women in battle; they are not the heartless babykillers (shades of 'Nam?) the media is determined to portray them as. A beautifully moving write and pic...as a Veteran, I salute you.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears <
Felix
A heartfelt and poignant pen, that shows the true face of battle in Iraq, where our soldiers are engaged in a War of Liberation against an evil and impassive foe...
The picture is very moving, and Jerry Bolton has done extrememly well in choreographing this stark reality along with you !
Love,Peace and Harmony
Peter
This is what I got out of this picture and the poem.
God Bless
Michelle!
Love,
Eileen