Fifty-seven years ago, I was on an ambush patrol in South Vietnam. It was around 2:00 in the afternoon. I was picked to be point man. At first I was scared, but the heat and humidity got so bad, I literally did not care if I lived or died. I have not felt that way since that day.
No Longer Alone In This Empty Place
I feel alone in this empty place
And wish the wind upon my face
To dry the tears brought on by pain
From dying friends in a pouring rain
The humid air and the blazing sun
Work as a team—not to be outdone
The rays stream down from skies above
And I pray for God’s sweet boundless love
As the sun beats down from this white-hot sky
It matters not if I live or die
Let a shot ring out to the back of my head
May I fall to earth with those who lie here dead
Then a breeze swoops down from the deep blue sky
And it lifts my spirit—lifts it way up high
I feel God’s wind upon my face
I’m no longer alone in this empty place.
Did not take me long to pickup the South Vietnam War vibe. On paper I am a WAC veteran of that war. My rank of being born female gave me the safety of noncombat duty. I saw the shattered men as they were med evac back to Womack Army Hospital, Ft. Bragg, NC. I was active duty X-ray tech. Your words of aloneness make me more appreciative of the relative ease of my life, so busy that I sought aloneness. Miracles don’t seem rational to me, but I am thankful for that divine breeze that cooled and brought you home. Amen.
SPLENDID, DAVID! AND SUCH AN 'EMPTY PLACE' CAN BE ON ANY 'BATTLEFIELD' OF LIFE, FOR OUR GOD IS ALWAYS THERE, JUST WHEN WE NEED HIM MOST...EVERY WHERE! THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Wow, David, this is such a horrible/wonderful poem. I cannot pretend to know anything of how it felt for you to be there. Thank you for writing it out so vividly. As much as is possible, I enter into what someone else writes. When I'm writing, I ask God to help me to understand the feelings He is trying to express to me.
This is an outstanding poem. I hope you will let me print it for my Poetry Corner ministry sometime soon.
As much as I have not experienced this horror, I have to say Yes, I have been at the bottom of the pit in other experiences--one especially. Then I too have known the touch of God as he lifted me a breath at a time till I could face life again.
As another dear author often said--God bless you every day of your life!
While I'm not a believer, your message here is that in a time of great despair and discomfort, a single breath of a breeze made all the difference and changed your attitude greatly.
A highly emotional and charged poem about what it's like facing death in horrendous circumstances like that and still come out years later and write so eloquently about it.
This poem cut straight to the heart. I missed Vietnam by about a year. I had my draft card, but never had to serve. I can only imagine what you and others went through. It was a war that should never have been, and I thank you for your service. You are never alone.
I praise you for your courage to write this poem. Life is not always easy and God does pull ous through the toughest times. I served over 24 years in the military and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was stationed in Colorado and yes, I enjoyed those rocky mountains. Hope to see more of them when my wife and I really retire. Yes, I am an educator as well for a university and I do love my job. I feel as if I know you David so I just became a fan of yours. I also bought your book. I am a History buff and curious about how life was growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. Looking forward to reading more of your poems. Peace be with you, John Michael
This really is a masterpiece David....
You capture the atmosphere and the emotion experienced
on that horrendous afternoon fifty three years ago so evocatively...The hell surrounding you and the utter desolation of feeling is extremely moving...
The last verse with its physical and spiritual awareness brings such upliftment and
relief for the reader of the strength and resilience of the human spirit...
...Your spirit...
This is exceptional writing...
Diana....
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Did not take me long to pickup the South Vietnam War vibe. On paper I am a WAC veteran of that war. My rank of being born female gave me the safety of noncombat duty. I saw the shattered men as they were med evac back to Womack Army Hospital, Ft. Bragg, NC. I was active duty X-ray tech. Your words of aloneness make me more appreciative of the relative ease of my life, so busy that I sought aloneness. Miracles don’t seem rational to me, but I am thankful for that divine breeze that cooled and brought you home. Amen.
This is an outstanding poem. I hope you will let me print it for my Poetry Corner ministry sometime soon.
As much as I have not experienced this horror, I have to say Yes, I have been at the bottom of the pit in other experiences--one especially. Then I too have known the touch of God as he lifted me a breath at a time till I could face life again.
As another dear author often said--God bless you every day of your life!
Sincerely,
Connie
A highly emotional and charged poem about what it's like facing death in horrendous circumstances like that and still come out years later and write so eloquently about it.
Ron
You capture the atmosphere and the emotion experienced
on that horrendous afternoon fifty three years ago so evocatively...The hell surrounding you and the utter desolation of feeling is extremely moving...
The last verse with its physical and spiritual awareness brings such upliftment and
relief for the reader of the strength and resilience of the human spirit...
...Your spirit...
This is exceptional writing...
Diana....