"Heroes Revere Your Fear "
Many years ago, when I was a young soldiering man,
I wondered just what it was, that kept men on the go.
We were all child warriors then, that fought and died in Nam.
Was it Mom's apple pie, or our flag that unfurled,
Or was it Marcia Brady, the blue eyed blond in curls?
It wasn't for delicious food, or a fitful meal,
Nor the glimpse of a scene, so beautiful and surreal
It wasn't for the Golden Eagle, that soars up high in the sky,
For even with all these things, a man could still get hurt or die.
Fear is what drives us to the peaks of our unknown,
It makes us stronger,faster,and our wit finely honed.
It releases our Adrenalin, and gives us a natural high.
pulsating through our veins, and causing our hearts to pump awry.
Reflecting back to my soldiering past, of battles I have fought
It wasn't advancement,shiny medals, or accolades I sought
Nor was it the thought of valor, that kept me alive,
But more the thought of dying, and the burning will to survive.
Fear doesn't reflect cowardice, but turns boy's into men,
A hero no longer fears fear, but embraces it as a friend.
All were the heroes way back then, both the living and the dead
Not fighting for just old glory,but out of fear instead.
Now there may be some, that brag that they have no fear,
To these men I say search your heart and soul,
And all that you hold dear.
For when bullets zing past your head,
And Bombs burst all around low and high,
Your driving force can be seen,
By the fear that's in your eyes.
I have seen the fear in these men's eyes,had it many times myself,
Pits in my stomach, and sweat on my brow, one would think I had bad health.
But it was fear that made me dive to the ground, just to stay alive.
Dodging tracer bullets and mortar shells trying to survive.
To today's heroes soldiering in Afghanistan and Iraq, I say,
Embrace and respect your fears, don't let them cause dismay.
Revere your fear, let it keep your head clear,
And you will come home to your mom's apple pie,
Marcia with blond curls, and the country you hold so dear.
Today I ponder, what price freedom and free will?,
Does it all have it's worth?
For when a young soldier dies, for a Dictator and his lies,
In a country that seemingly could care less.
Will that young man be measured by his collection of fears
Or will they simply just say, He died fearless?
Andy Kakos Circleville, Ohio
Copyrighted December 20, 2006
Author notes
To my brother in arms Semper Fi,true warriors every one, this is for all of us that knows the fear of war.This is also for our young warriors fighting today in a strange land. whether you be ,Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
I Salute You and thank you for fighting what seemingly is a thankless war by a mere few.
I served from 1965-1969 U.S.N.Corpsman attached to the Marines, mostly as a relief Corpsman in the DMZ.
Written December 20th, 2005
A contest entry
- War, Dying (In general), and Anger (Also in general) by TransparentHeart.
459 points, ended December 16, 2006, 22 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Fear by Passionate Singe.
600 points, ended April 7, 2007, 24 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Got a Warrior in you? ~Come and march a poem right in to my contest.~ by BlueEyeWonder1988.
300 points, ended July 5, 2007, 4 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 68 of 68
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Sending this site to my friends that have young men overseas............a must read for them. Prince charming you are amazing. There is no way these men could ever be thanked enough or we that have never been there....ever understand the mental and physical anguish they go through and will have impacked on their souls and heart forever. God bless them always.
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you are the voice of truth for those who can not speak.
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This was emotionally intense and my pleasure to read! Excellent work, excellent rhythm and rhyme, a wonderful gift to a soldier fighting for our freedom
~Tia
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Thank you
Thanks Tia, I am glad you enjoyed my piece. Apparently Gen.James Prentis enjoyed it also, He had it posted in the barracks of all his company's in Afghanistan. I was really honored.
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thank you so very much for this fine entry into the contest for the soldiers. it is appreciated more than you can possibly know. viyanna rosemarie
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Thank You so much for awarding me the Silver, I am honored. I am happy that my piece moved you. It was a labor of love when I wrote it, and I must say one of my better works. Thanks again.....L
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Wow, your the real deal
This is exactly what i am looking for. Goodluck in my contest.
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Chilling and well done. This is a high impact read. What horrors are bestowed upon man in fighting for what they believe it or what their country does and they feel is their duty to do. Wonderfully crafted.
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What can I say....I am blessed to have held this contest to find this. Your vocabulary is astonishing. This is very good.
Be Proud.
Thanks for entering,
Brokenpoet -
This is a wonderful commentary on war which everyone should read, the self survival of a worthy warrior, and the fear and resulting adrenalin that focuses the senses and duties of a battle weary soldier . . and well deserving of first prize . .
There are of course many types of fear –
Fear in a young soldier trying to survive and do his duty.
Fear of a wife whose husband has just been blown apart beside her as they ran from a bombardment.
Fear of a child lost in a panicking mass as bombs explode all around. . . and survives with arms and legs missing.
There is even fear in both the fanatical religious martyr who has been brainwashed into believing he is serving God – and the Marine that receives a Minister’s blessing before marching to battle.
There is fear in the heart of the conscript that runs to Canada because he doesn’t believe in his President and what his country is fighting for.
Fear of dieing is just one of many fears . . . The worst fear is the fear that is followed by resentment. And in some cases the wish that you hadn’t survived to witness or experience the aftermath of war, the injuries, the grieving, the poverty and destitution.
I personally survived night after night of German bombing raids during the London blitz in 1940 – we lost our home and all our family possessions and were forcibly evacuated – Sixty year later my stomach still turns over at the sound of a siren or a gas rattle – fear can stay with you a very long time . . .
A wonderful write – well done –
Albert.
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this is so amazing my friend a great piece of writeing that told such a great picture. Best of luck in the contest.
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This is amazing. I really like it alot. This is very creative and different than what I have read so far. (and I still have a lot of reading.) Very clear and descriptive. I like your outlook on fear.
Amazing
Thanks for entering =] good luck in my contest
-x-
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thank you for entering this into the contest for danny jacobs. i know it will be very appreciated. good luck and thank you again. vilanger
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Great piece your word bring memories that will haunt those of us that faced the elephant and were victorious..Fear yes let fear win never...Semper Fi...Jack
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Thanks for the entry.
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EXCELLENT POEM....its shows alot of heart, and soul you expressed it beautifully
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I really liked this write. It is serious and wonderful.
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I have been meaning to comment on your poems scince i read them but have only just got around to it
so
a true poem
straight and true
like an arrow if it is shot straight from the bow it will land directly when you want it to go
in other words
True Poems form the heart shows that the heart is true
this poem speaks of things I know not but its give a clear view to all us " normal folk " that these boys we send to fight our battles are only boys condition ( well some are ) to fight and if , as you did ( thank god )they survive they come home as Man it is not the best way to grow up and I would not wish it for anyone. That is one of this lifes cruel ironys as you put so well The Fear keeps you going and for the Lucky ones Keeps them alive.
Alas this world is so full of complex emotions and diverse views that there will probably always be a war somewhere - there is only hope that as we see the heart ache and as we see the pain Caused that one day we will as one see the light .
this Poem is all heart from the heart
Karen
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Semper Fi, bro, from a second generation Marine. I'm happy that this poem took 1st place in the contest. It is well deserving of the honor. See you here or there.
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Linda chose a right one for the gold. Good job grandpa.
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SO TRUE, WONDERFUL POEM
Andy, this poem/story is awesome. I read somewhere that when one recognizes their fear and still carries on and never stops then they have become a brave and courageous person. True courage is when feels the fear but still does what they feel they have to. -
A very astounding work of art! You my friend, are a hero! To proclaim what it is to be brave by embracing fear, and show what it is to be daring in the midst of combat and perils. You also portray a inspiring message to all those fighting for your country's sake. Whole-heartedly, I salute you!
Long Live Thy Brave Soul,
Riche
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There is wisdom that this piece seems to smack of. For that I like this write.
It is well paced and timed, as a poem. I also like the depictions of americana that are used to help along the message in this. This must be from a very mature poet, in my estimation.
Edited on Dec 23, 10:22 because ''. -
I'm very glad you wrote this. I think it is true, but I wouldn't be able to know personally in the sense of soldiering. However, I think much of life and the actions of people are born of fear, at least partially.
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Again, a beautiful and perfect write. I loved your authors note and I will say this. I married a man from the middle east who has family in Iraq. Even if it seems as though we are thankless, those people who were in diar need of freedom are thankful! My brother in law has opened a business and is flourishing and he had nothing before this started. All our family there is thankful. They lived in fear, in depression, in complete disaster. Now they have a future, not just dreams on coming here to America, but dreams of a free Iraq and they are working hard to make it happen. Im not sure of the percentages, but I know that everyone I know over there is happy to be free! And they are more thankful than anything. Hopefully some of the soldiers feel that thankfulness and they know that while some radicals will still try to win, the every day people who were dying to stay alive have been freed and it is thanks to them!
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Today I ponder, what price freedom and free will?,
Does it all have it's worth?
For when a young soldier dies, for a president and his lies,
In a country that could care less.
Will that young man be measured by his collection of fears
Or will they simply just say, He died fearless?
i dont know how but somehow these words have great power behind them this is truly an excellent write thanks for sharing i enjoyed this very muc
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This is a beautiful poem of devotion and reminiscences.Devotion to those who are
fighting for America at this time in other
parts of the world.Reminiscences on fear
that stirs up the soldiers to bravery
and fight for survial.GREAT WRITE! -
Potent poetry
This is a powerful, sinewy write. In war, shots are fired in a two-way street. It is no rifle range there! It is true: true courage respects and knows fear, constant fear and deals with it constantly. I loved your ability to repeat lines near the end. They took on fresh, stronger meaning, showing the punch of your poem. Lyndon. -
speechles
your words say it all
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Avery well constructed and written piece delivering a soul revealing message.
Good luck with the contest,
Take care,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sammy -
i went through this poem, mentally picking out lines you don't see in other war poetry.... but lines which i felt were so true it was incredible. I soon realised that this was pointless as you have so much wisdom bunched up into this tiny poem that I would simply end up writing it out once again.
I congratulate you on a masterpiece, on a thought-provoking piece and on a sound tribute to soldiers who fight in wars.
I was amazed, really. -
If I could pick words to say to you how amazing this is...I would try and describe it..but wow.....wow is the only word that slides from my lips..WOW!!
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This was amazing. It makes me feel, especially when I think about my family in the war. The best of poets can make someone feel something so fervently, and you did just that. Great work.
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I am not a soldier however I wish I could have put my poem I salute a soldier here. Alas, I finally had a chance to say alas, good write. Thanks.
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When I started to read this I was like great, how am i going to get through this entire write? But .. this is a very amazing, chillingly, true piece... I love how you said "going home to mom's apple pie" That one part fills me with emotions, as well as your whole entire poem! I also love your ending! SUPERB my friend, superb!
"Today I ponder, what price freedom and free will?,
Does it all have it's worth?
For when a young soldier dies, for a president and his lies,
In a country that could care less.
Will that young man be measured by his collection of fears
Or will they simply just say, He died fearless?"
Perfect, simply perfect! I really like how you ended it with a question also. I hold you in the highest respect for this write.. you are a beautiful writer! Okay i will stop gushing, haha. Thank you for an amazing read. And to think, I hoped I wasn't going to get bored when i saw this.
-Kim
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applause
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wow this is really good. i love every part of it. courage is not just being fearless it is doing wat is right and never giving up. your really good. keep it up.
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Very good
The young are impressed by valor, glory, God and country. In battle it is different. The author expressed it well. I think if we were not fighting overseas now, we would be fighting terrorists in the streets already. We were attacked. We had to respond or lose the indispensable virtue: courage. -
Semper Fi!
Courage is not being without fear but just doing the job in spite of unbearable terror!
This is very well written -- thanks for sharing it! -
Nicely Done, Happy Holidays
-Amber -
HI friend..Thank you so much for your comment and applause. This was a labor of love for me. I have to admit the one factor that kept me alive was the fear. I have just one thing to say to you as a young man about to enlist, Your superiors will train you to be a fearless fighter, but in reality, Each and every one of them will admit (only to themselves of course) That Fear was a driving element that kept them alive. Take heed my young friend, if you understand these thing now, you will be able to face your fears in battle and let them work for you, and not against you. Good Luck, and my prayers Go to you and your future. Andy
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Thank you so much for your review. it was a labour of love, and an aspect that helped keep me alive while I was there. That's not to say I was some kind of coward or anything, but as my work states, Fear can work FOR you, and is not alway's a negative thing.Thanks again for your comment, Andy
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Thank you so much for commenting on "Heroes Revere Your fear" It was a labor of Love. I agree with you, There is No easy way out of this war in Iraq, and I know that our forces their are needed drastically. I just feel that it's time for us to make a strategic effort to bring our kids home and let the UN Peace Keeping forces take a more forcefull hand. I knew that when the war was over, It really had just begun.We have trained their people, they now have their own militia, and Government elections just took place. NOW is the time to bring the kids back, and as quickly as we can before something else breaks out over there. Thanks again, Andy
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Thank you so much for your kind words about this piece, It was a labor of love for me to write.when I reflect back on my day's of war, I realized that it was my own fear that helped keep me alive , and come home with just a wound instead of a pine box.Your support IS deeply appreciated. Thank You, Andy
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Interesting poem. I followed it all the way until the end when I was caught off guard by these words "For when a young soldier dies, for a president and his lies,/ In a country that could care less." I can't say I agree with that. My sister is in the Marines and if, God forbid, she has to go to Iraq, I know that she will not be fighting for the "president and his lies". But rather, I will take comfort in the fact that innocent lives are being protected.
Besides that, I love this poem. It is well written and very thoughtful with a powerful message.
God Bless,
Joanie -
honest and true
Yes Sir , it is survival of the fittest. I acknowledge the
phenomena of fear you so brilliantly personified..Endurance in
a war is How Well You Take Fear..I admire your going to the roots of a war and what it means to a soldier. I hope you win the contest. -
Oh, this is an awesome poem. You show the soldier's fear turn into victory as they serve our country, an excellent poem!
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wow this is amazing
I think our troops are so important
So I am glad you wrote this long and beautiful poem about them
My favorite part was
Was it Mom's apple pie, or our flag that unfurled,
Or was it Marcia Brady, the blue eyed blond in curls?
I think that is very sweet
So nice job on your poem and good luck in the contest
~Your AP daughter -
fantastic
damn this is really fantastic, just makes you take a step back, im a future solider myself
joining the british army in september, this shows a lot of what current past and future solider know, the terror of war, well done, absolutly brilliant!!!!! Xx~BTA~xX
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Andy.. hi.. thank you for entering this excellent poem,
I can see you have had a lot of effort put into this as well.. Ican only say I have my hands full with all the wonderful/ excellent poems entered here..can't wait to judge..lol
again good luck in the contest..Linda -
this is indeed a power good write, showed emotion and I see your point in all this too, thanks for sharing, keep up the awesome poetry!
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Well written
What a fantastic read for a subject many would not be willing to express, especially the aspect of fear. Thank you! -
The problem is that, having gone into Iraq, there now appears to be no easy way out. Walking away now would leave innocent people even more vulnerable than before the invasion. Fear is a very rational and moral response, I suspect. v
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Hi Kirby..Thanks for the great Review..Just one added note..You said your your feet want to run and your body freezes? with me it was the other way around" My feet froze and my body had the runs" lololol..Thanks again Pal.Semper Fi..Andy
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of course this has been said, but - very thought provoking piece, and i think thats an attribute all poems should strive for. this is excellent work, and raises interesting points that i hadn't thought about before.
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Awesome!
This is an awesome piece! -
Awesome work, I just saw this contest you entered i for, MY favourite stanza was Fear doesn't reflect cowardice, but turns boy's into men,
A hero no longer fears fear but embraces it as a friend.
All were the heroes way back then, both the living and the dead
Not fighting for just old glory,but out of fear instead
because of the alliteration in "Fears fear" I thought this was great, keep up the good work -
Amazing
This is amazing! You did a wonderful job. I love poems like this, and have written a couple myself. You might check them out sometime! Although not near as good as this. Again, your words are touching. You couldn't have done it any better. Congrats! -
WOW
beautifully done and so honest and powerful...What a wonderful dedication you have pinned here with such skill and artistic ability....loved this ....Lynda
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A rallying call of defence of heroes
Yep, you have it right. I shall not enter into the politics of a foreign nation, but your head and heart, both in gear, are in the right place. This is a convincing poem of passion with a strong rhythm and rhyme pattern. The whole poem smells of cordite and the experience of a two-way street. I think it complements my poem on Red Flowers. Do you? Thank you LovinCharmer, thank you. (Just boys and its? Do you agree?)from Faith Hope Clarity
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wow, great poem, a real piece of artwork. very powerful and discriptive. u did a great job portraying emotion
Peace
Molly -
great are you words
a wonderful poem and i really appreciate this stanza...Reflecting back to my soldiering past of battles I have fought
It wasn't advancement,shiny medals, or accolades I sought
Nor was it the thought of valor that kept me alive,
But more the thought of dying and the burning will to survive..
you did an outstanding job on this poem, -
a well thought out tribute to those who should be in ourtjhoughts during this joyous holiday time...well orchestrated, well put together, excellent laststanza...we all take for granted the freedoms we have...sometimes i wonder if it is all worth it...to those who put their lives on the line simply out of duty and respect i commend you and yes i wonder if those that are young men and women put their lives on the line even care... i often wonder why are leaders seem so content on helping those who dont ask for help when they seem to care less about what is goin on in our own country...sometimes i wonder if it is just an ego trip by our leaders...a lie just to promote their own glory...great poem thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings and thanks for making it seem so real....great job
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Amazing truthful
A very striking tribute. Also reality. The power of your words make the smal grammar errors fade. You simply wrote the most truth I've heard in a long time. Thank you---for facing fear and fighting--and for writing such a beautiful piece. -
Exceptional tribute, to those in the land of where ever it has taken them! This piece is orchestrated with care, smooth and the talent of a true warrior!
blessings
ICUlookn -
Wow! this is poem detailed war and its effects , you were into this poem with all your thoughts, meaning of war and the results of the wars..this was really put together in all aspects.. thank you so much for sharing..Linda
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This is a very deep poem indeed. I can only commend all our wonderful Christian American military men fighting the good fight in atheistic lands!
Onward Christian Soldiers, with your faith so raw
With the Cross of Jesus standing to the fore
Christ the Royal Master leads you into battle
And those atheist foes will be slaughtered like cattle!
This stanza is worthy of the Lord's blessings I feel:
"I have seen the fear in these men's eyes,had it many times myself,
pits in my stomach, and sweat on my brow, one would think I had bad health.
But it was fear that made me dive to the ground just to stay alive,
Dodging tracer bullets and mortar rounds trying to survive."
But you must only keep the Lord in your heart when you are fighting the Satanic forces of evil, and then only then will the Lord protect you and bring you home to savor Mom's apple pie again before going to church to praise the Lord! Allelujah!
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This is so deep. I am speachless. I don't know what to say. I a scared to death over here and this is the first time I have been told that it is okay to have fear. Thank you.
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