I sat in my seat of the 767 waiting for every one to hurry
And stow their carry-ons as I watched them scurry
Toward their seats as some stuffed their luggage overhead
And others tried to get past them and move ahead.
I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I
Was focused on my issues as I watched with a sigh
These others bumping into each other packing in
To this airplane in which we'll all take a spin.
Bored and not looking forward to the trip, --
I sat there thinking, "I don't give a flip;
Just get me home in one piece." But not worried,
Just wanted to get there, -- sitting still, I felt hurried...
I took the "Sky Mall" magazine from the pocket in front of me.
You know it's getting rough when this is all you can see.
With everyone finally seated, -- we just sat there.
No one now hurried; -- now time to spare!
We were well past the scheduled take off time.
"No wonder the airline industry is in trouble," I opined.
Just then, the attendant came on the intercom:
"Folks, there's a delay, but not for long."
The entire plane let out a groan.
She resumed, "We're holding the aircraft for some
Special people on their way home."
The word came after waiting six times as long
As promised that I would be on my way home.
Why the hoopla over these folks? I was expecting
Some celebrity to spend the trip inspecting.
"Just get their butts in a seat and lets go," I thought.
"What a miserable trip that's still yet to start!"
The attendant came back on; words hit like a SMACK!
"We're joined by Marines coming home from Iraq!"
As they walked on board, the plane erupted in applause.
They were taken by surprise by we people's happy noise!
We were cheering for them as they searched for their seat.
Their hands being shaken by all. What a treat!
An elderly woman kissed one's hand as he passed her.
As each came in, the cheering would recur.
When we were airborne, remembering the groan
I made when I heard of the delay getting home
To my easy chair with remote in my hand.
I now see greater value in others; I now understand.
These had done so much for all of us,
And on my issues I had made such a fuss.
I had taken for granted the freedoms I enjoy
And the wonder of the American way of life we employ.
They paid a price for my ability to moan.
Just a short delay was enough to make me groan.
Minutes before landing I suggested to the attendant
That she announce over the speaker that we honor these resplendent
Marines by remaining seated until our hero's were allowed
To be first off, -- these of whom we're so proud !!
Applause continued till the last Marine stepped off.
From now on over petty inconvenience I don't scoff.
Instead I go about my protected everyday freedoms.
I feel honor for all Marines, Airmen, Soldiers and Seamen.
What a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home
And say: "Thank You all for a job well done."
I'll never forget that flight lesson learned.
Now I appreciate the values in the past I had spurned.
This is my ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq.
Good job men and women; -- and a warm welcome back !!!
Ellis
Author notes
Written November 22nd, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- Christmas for the troops ... by ecrivain01.
450 points, ended January 18, 2008, 7 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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excellent
Your poem brought tears to my eyes. it was very good. -
Yes ...
Your cheering section is correct. You said a mouthful. Thanks for entering and Happy New Year.
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Ellis some poems are just words thrown down in the hope that they look and sound right Other step up a class and have more meaning in them than a thousand others. This is such a piece. I had no idea where this poem was leading when i began reading it
Put it down to another frustrated traveler on a moan.
Then the real work kicked in , and turned it into something special. And yes it did turn out to be special.
Probably more to the American reader than those of us from different parts of the world. But th sentiment is well in line with everyone who has welcomed home those who have been out putting their lives on the line. Well done my friend for a wonderful poem . And good luck in the contest -
Wow! This flows so nicely! And I know so many soldiers myself. Luckily I don't know any who have died, but I feel for those who have lost loved ones to this silly war.
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You are super talented in ryhming. I could never ryhme like that! This was a great dedication to the soldiers. It's great when people really take time to think about what the soldiers are doing for us. I would of loved to welcome them home on that plane. I love this poem. Keep up the amazing work and keep writing!
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I loved this poem a GREAT GREAT lot. I live next Camp Lejune in NC and all I ever hear being said is how marines are all jerks and none of them deserve our respect, that they just want the younger girls and they cause wreck and havok everywhere they look. Sometimes its a lot for one girl to handle and its easy to lose sight of the truth in the people and what the people stand for. Thank you a hundred times over for shedding light on an area where darkness has rippled past, and making me shed tears in the process. I really enjoyed this eye opening peice.
N
Edited on Nov 22, 5:27 p.m. because 'typos'. -
This was a beautifly wrote piece. The rhyme in this was just perfect and it flowed together just right. Great piece. I also thank you so much for your comments on my poem.
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you are THE rhymer!!!!this is just incredible!!!great job!!!
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good job
Lovely write so well written.Had to keep reading to the end
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