When Johnny Comes Marching Home (poem) by Susan K. de Vegter on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on May 30, 2006

Many Johnnies are marching their headstones up and down the hills and vales of Arlington. It is one way to achieve a certain immortality, I guess. Better to have achieved it negotiating a peace.

Ron

Reviewed by J. Allen Wilson

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Too many tears have been shed and too many have died so soon. War as much as I despise it is sometimes a necessary evil�I find it hard to believe that I said that and am torn by the bitter honesty of this write�I seek peace�but at what cost? Thanks for taking me on this journey.
Allen

Reviewed by Crystal Silver Angel (Reader)

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

((((( Susan)))) this really was extrodinarly touching. God I love my country and yes I pray everyday for the families and troops..It's part of prayer ritial...It is so important to pray for their strength and to send them home safe. And for the familys to remain strong, gifting them courage because God knows they need it. I go and see the disabled troops at the VA and they touch me like no other.I hold their hands, kiss them and read to them Psalm 91 out of the good book..They just need to know they are not forgot. It is truly a great feeling.I had powerful feelings of compassion. Many are left there alone. WE must be an America who cares!!!! I encourage anyone to go see the VA..Very kind of you to honor them. No they did not die in vein, never!!!We always treasure them..

Peace & Love, Dove

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

I hope all our Johnny's come marching home quite soonest...Ed

Reviewed by Jill Eisnaugle

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Very moving and thought provoking write on this Memorial Day, Susan. This is a train of thought I think we all ponder.

Thanks,
Jill

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Your poem reaches the gut and rips it apart Susan! Deeply moving and expertly written!

eT

Reviewed by George Carroll

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Many soldiers wear the scars of war where they will never be seen. No sane person wants war but as sure as the sun rises in the East there will be wars and rumors of wars till the end of time.

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

As usual your big heart and sensitive soul capture all too well the reality of the world of war and the people who pay the highest price in it. If the tears could be collected for all those who have died on the battlefields it would be a river of pain born by the loved ones left behind. Thank you for sharing your perceptive write with us Sue.

Fee

Reviewed by Jane Rodway (Reader)

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

This rates up there with some of the best war poetry I've ever read, it encompasses reality and brings this alive to others, God Bless all soldiers past and present.

Reviewed by Chanti Niven

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Thanks for sharing these thoughts Susan. I'd rather not share my political views here but I was touched by your sentiments. A really good poem.
Chanti

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Right, go ahead and usher in the Age of Aquarius, Peter, and see what that will get you. Look, this is a poignant poem and a sensitive one and an honest one. War, as the say is hell. War, as they say, is hell on the home-front too. To those like me, who think we have to be where we are, people wag their tongues and call us all sorts of names, but the reality is, and it is REALITY, that as long as there are people who want to do us harm, we have no choice but engage them. All the "peaceniks," (and I don't believe you are one) would have a rude awakening if, when we are threaten, we would do nothing. I am saddened each time I see a flag-draped coffin, because I know that the person who lies within that coffin died fighting for America's life, liberty and happiness, so we over here can have the ultra good life that we have. Every damn one of the are heros personified, in my book. God bless them.

Reviewed by F William Broome

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Susan - As an easy to tear up Vet of WWII, your work chokes me to silence. Please accept the review of my Friend, Kate Burnside, who speaks eloquently for me on your historic poem. - Bill

Reviewed by Kate Burnside

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

"Will doomsday polish victory For every mother's son Then what becomes of honor when deaths return all torn" - these words together with your Unknown gravestone cut me to the quick, Susan. For those who return "unknown and unclaimed" or die in anonymity, what use the promises their victory has secured? And, even when and if re-integrated, is it their experience that what transpires "lives up to" the "dream" fought for? This throws up, for me, a multitude of conflicting anguish. Thoughtful and well-executed with graphic imagery and potent concepts. TY Kate xx

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

What a beautifully sobering write Susan!

I am astounded at the depth and intensity of insight and talent in this Den. Your piece flows so well and poses many sobering questions about our children, those young men and women fighting to keep us free.

Loved your use of the word "squinched"

Don't hear that one often.

Blessings to you and yours

Richard

Reviewed by Peter Paton

Reviewed on May 29, 2006

Susan
It's time to usher in the Age of Aquarius, and put an end to war...
It is not impossible, if we truly believe, a miracle will occur, just like Nazism, Fascism and Communism were vanquished...we can go that stage further, and vanquish all wars, by eliminating the scourges which seperate man from man....Religion and Politics....
Thanks for sharing
Love and Peace
Peter