born in darkness
coming into light
was never a wish
to be taken so
for granted
all the action
missing in
and out on.
flags of reverence
placed in the ground
that winds of remembrance
might wave
when others might have
lost touch
with
names upon brass
now settled
beneath
a garden
of victories
lost and found.
many soldiers remains
broken
the code of silence
taken too far
from home
a way
in harm
while heads of stone
remain
to carry wounded thoughts
of the living
never to be
forgiven.
and like memories
in rain
we hail
so proudly
the tears of
many hearts
soundless
respecting misplaced wishes
of soldiers gone
blue.
unheard whistles
of the bowperson
go overboard
for freedom
while hand thrown
the privates grenade
becomes the potter’s field
on earth
and force of air
the protection
in skies of fire
given wing.
around yet
these ghosts of honor
around those living
who protect and serve
a round still
shared in halls of veterans
who continue to
forget not why
a hand placed
over ones heart
can yet bring tears
for many men and women
deserving salutation.
when we see skies
we must remember
the sea
to remember
on land
remembering
that somewhere
there is heaven
still.
Stanzas 2,3 & 6 are the most telling to me and some of your best writing, yet like all your works in this evolving style (I notice many are almost the same length or that each stanza intersects the others in a similar way) They (the stanzas) lead like chapters in a small novel to the finished resolution. And one reason I often fail with stories is I'm not as good with resolutions in writing as I am in instrumental music froms.... Some thougths and admiration for those men in uniform and for you honoring them this past Memorial Day... (I watched every War video I owned...)
michael
when we see skies
we must remember
the sea
to remember
on land
remembering
that somewhere
there is heaven
still.
Very Lennon-esque in feel and also a bit Robert Browning, perhaps. I love this more ethereal final stanza in a poem that is otherwise characteristically far-reaching and concretely solid in its imaging. The hand placed over the heart bringing tears is a fabulous and poignant detail. I think Robert Graves would be proud of this one, John. xx
Laid to rest neath flowering boundary trees. These proud men who stood so tall, and who chose to give their all to make men free. Make them not, a fleeting memory. JMW
My code of silence was broken by the warmongers and profiteers that went to many extremes trying to dishonor the uniform representing a land that the politicians have drawn into the mud.
Georg
Reviewed by Deborah Munson (Reader)
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
when we see skies
we must remember
the sea
to remember
on land
remembering
that somewhere
there is heaven
still........
A tribute like none other. I was lost in your words. Well Done, Deborah
Only moments ago, I returned from visiting the graves of my loved ones and walked the grounds where countless other familiar names have gone on before me. It was such a beautiful day--one filled with plenty of sunshine; ample carpet of grass; and red, white, and blue dotting the landscape. It was the kind of day that makes me love my country even more. Then, when I read your expression of patriotism in "Uniform" I am once again reminded of why I am a continuing member of AuthorsDen, for your words cause my heart to rejoice and reaffirm my sense of nationalism. Thank you for your remembrance of our veterans on this blessed Memorial Day.
Well said, John. This is one of those breath-taking poems that leaves the reader gasping and tearful for the many sad truths contained therein.
Blessings, Peace, and Love ~~ Micke
Heaven is there and those who made Flander's Field what it is know more than we that heaven is the gift for valor and patriotism. This is a poem to be a classic for Memorial Day. Done with a heart full of respect.
Love and blessings,
Susan
Beautiful words to honor all those who have given their lives for each of us and thoses who continue to give. Thank you for sharing.
Newfie Hugs, Rose
Reviewed by Ingeborg von Finsterwalde (Reader)
Reviewed on May 26, 2008
What a great way to express gratitude to all those veterans that fought for this country. Let the flags fly proudly in their remembrance and may the Spirit be with us.
One of the very best tributes I've read. It touches the heart of the reader and blesses the fallen and their family. This is most outstanding John! The last stanza and the last line takes the ckae!
hugs
B
Your poem Uniform speaks so much for those who can't speak for themselves--both the soldier and the families and loved ones left
behind to try to puzzle out why we go to war in the first place and
how much we need to thank those soldiers for the sacrifices they
made for our liberty. We are so caught up in ourselves to care but I care and I pray for all of our soldiers in uniform and I fly my
flag proudly at my door today for all those who can't speak today
but I do remember and I do salute them
As the tears flow from your poem, I salute you my friend for a heart touching write on this Memorial Day. Love to you my friend for a job well done. Love, Bonnie
If you tend to believe romantic, passionate, masculine poetry is a thing of past eras, read "She Intrigues Me," and be swept away in the beautiful craft of a contemporary poet of love.
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Loved it.
Mary
beneath a garden of victories lost and found.
Perfect words for an imperfect yet necessary truth.
michael
For this outstanding offering
Peace be with you
William
My favorite stanzas...the last two...
They perfectly sum up so many things...
Well done!
Cryssa
Each line
Mighty fine
A beautiful tribute
On a somber Holiday.
Doug
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Christine
we must remember
the sea
to remember
on land
remembering
that somewhere
there is heaven
still.
Very Lennon-esque in feel and also a bit Robert Browning, perhaps. I love this more ethereal final stanza in a poem that is otherwise characteristically far-reaching and concretely solid in its imaging. The hand placed over the heart bringing tears is a fabulous and poignant detail. I think Robert Graves would be proud of this one, John. xx
Georg
we must remember
the sea
to remember
on land
remembering
that somewhere
there is heaven
still........
A tribute like none other. I was lost in your words. Well Done, Deborah
may the remembering get easier...
peace and blessings,
carolyn
Only moments ago, I returned from visiting the graves of my loved ones and walked the grounds where countless other familiar names have gone on before me. It was such a beautiful day--one filled with plenty of sunshine; ample carpet of grass; and red, white, and blue dotting the landscape. It was the kind of day that makes me love my country even more. Then, when I read your expression of patriotism in "Uniform" I am once again reminded of why I am a continuing member of AuthorsDen, for your words cause my heart to rejoice and reaffirm my sense of nationalism. Thank you for your remembrance of our veterans on this blessed Memorial Day.
With sincere gratitude,
David Lee Thompson
Blessings, Peace, and Love ~~ Micke
Regis
Love and blessings,
Susan
that somewhere
there is heaven
still.'
AMEN! Beautiful tribute John!
As always,
Myrna
Take care,
Sherry
Ron
One of the best memorial poems I've read so far - thank you for honoring sacrifices, paid - well done -
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Newfie Hugs, Rose
Ingeborg
hugs
B
behind to try to puzzle out why we go to war in the first place and
how much we need to thank those soldiers for the sacrifices they
made for our liberty. We are so caught up in ourselves to care but I care and I pray for all of our soldiers in uniform and I fly my
flag proudly at my door today for all those who can't speak today
but I do remember and I do salute them
thanks for your beautiful poem!
katie