Deafening explosions,
screams of rage and pain
punctuate the chaos.
Amid acrid fumes,
burning buildings,
the wash of newly lit flares,
stand two men, back to back.
Fierce anger flashes
from terror widened eyes --
they know they're dead men,
but by God,
they'll take the enemy with them.
Whether 'tis a war with
guns and bombs, or
a war against tougher armies --
the creatures created in our minds,
or enemies of our souls,
no man can stand alone.
A single friend can make the difference.
Your Back to Back!
Stand in the gap
'tween man and death,
fight for both your lives;
or stand in the gap
'tween man and God, and
help him with your prayers.
Life is short, our bodies frail,
every man is doomed to fail
alone.
Don't let the men
who took the bullet for you
fall unheralded by the wayside.
Walk beside them
shoulder to shoulder,
fight with them
back to back.
Unusual angle on the theme, Dallas, and another perceptive and compelling write. The notion of "not falling alone" is a very strong and poignant one and has a bearing on all other considerations of our relationships in life. Yes indeed... we have to fight for something, for someone and not just for a "faceless" cause. The horror of feeling oneself to be truly alone, as if caught in the middle of a black hole in the universe where nothingness is, is abundantly scary. To feel the possibility of being beyond the omniscience, omnipresence and grace of God, even worse. Back to back is a very visual concept. Thank you, xx
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on November 10, 2009
One for the ages Dallas. Another superb contribution. So vivid and true-to-life. Happy Vet's Day!!
Indeed, Dallas. There's a reason soldiers will not leave one of their own behind: they fight as brothers, become as one - back to back. Thank you for honoring those who serve(d) with powerful lines.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on November 10, 2009
I hear you and I am trying what I can to stand back to back with the fallen and the fighting soldiers. It consists of poems for the most part. Letters to the Editors, spreading the word that America is in deep doo-doo . . .
David Hightower’s lyrically expansive meditation on the whims of fate and the unpredictability of the human condition fill the pages of THE HANGING MAN DREAMS with thrilling music and mesmerizing imagery. Hightower’s richly infused voice echoes the e
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(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.