I seldom hear
that whirling pounding sound..
anymore
Only seldom
do I see the laughing frightened faces..
of my fallen friends
For it has been
over thirty years and appears to me..
like a distant life
But tonight as I sleep
there is no escape for me
and the horror of my dreams pour thru
and I am covered completely..
in my comrad`s blood
SCREAMING now.. his mother`s name in pain
completely smashed and torn
Two Morf shots later he is calm
He asks me the day of the week
Sunday I say to him
“Good, I wanted to die on a Sunday”
We tagged him and sent him away...
I cried later in the day
I wake..
It`s a beautiful day
even for a Sunday
Author notes
I never write like this, and most of the time, my dreams are lovely and I am free of my past. A frend sugested I should write about my troubling reaccuring dreams. Stop, if this will hert you.
Written May 17th, 2006
A contest entry
- i wanna cry by ToTheMoonAndBack.
400 points, ended July 9, 2006, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Soldier Stories by Je Suis Prete.
450 points, ended March 21, 2007, 6 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The most difficult... by file not found.
475 points, ended August 7, 2007, 31 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 99 of 99
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well, I can't believe this didn't take a Gold! It is so deep in emotion, so touching in reality.
Excellent!
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are you a vetrin?
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Wow! This is an amazing poem! It really evokes feelings. I almost started crying. I think you did really well at expressing your emotions, your experience, and your pain. Keep up the amazing writting! I'm glad you shared this, it takes courage to post something this personal on here.
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Hi Chrissy
Thank you for your heartfelt comment
Some of this dark writing realy helped me
Thank you for saying amazing
Rick
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I don't know how you can go without letting the pain of these moments go from your heart, sometimes it is the best way to heal, yet I still found myself with my heart in my throat, knowing you have seen the worst this world has to offer, but you my dear are here for a reason, to inspire us to get through the darker times and step into the sunshine..... true courage it takes to share the terrible memories of your encounters.... you are a true gem
Karen
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Hi Karen
This and a few others were trying to write
I did this as a form of self cure, it has helped
This is just a reflection of the extreames of our lives
Thank you for reading me
Rick
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I really like the last part of the poem. It is touchy. The first part sounds a little conventional to me. But this has potential. Good luck!
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Princess
Thank you for reading me
I am not sure what conventual is
I was just writing my heart out for mential reliefe
Thank you for your thoughts
Rick
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I have to agree with
semperfimoms39. She has said all that needs to be said in a few lines. I cannot relate to your horror in any way as I have never had to go through what you had to go through. I can only imagine and even in my worse imagination, I would never come close to what you suffered through and survived. You are a surivor indeed when you have goen to hell and back and still have enough love inside you to write such beautiful poems.
Smile,
Judy
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Judy
There is a desperation that can not be explaned
A panic that hits when we relieze we are close to the edge
This man was so brave, he knew, he simply accepted
Once he was out of pain, he just relaxed and let it come
I hate that this is how we make lines on a map
through the exporation of fathers and sons
His letter was addressed to his Mom
with a note to his girl
That was his end
Rick -
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There is a desperation that can not be explaned
A panic that hits when we relieze we are close to the edge
This man was so brave, he knew, he simply accepted
Once he was out of pain, he just relaxed and let it come
I hate that this is how we make lines on a map
through the exporation of fathers and sons
His letter was addressed to his Mom
with a note to his girl
That was his end
this is so beautiful!im specless Ill i can do is quote
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This is such an emotional yet graceful write ... as horrible as the dream might seem ... it feels as if your comrade has found the peace he needs thru you ... maybe by writing this you can rest his soul and yours... for you have done him well by penning such a personal piece.
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Semperfi Mom
Yes we are Always Faithfull
I missed your comment, I am sorry
I appreate you and the words you left for me
I will take them to heart and do my best to have peace
Rick
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This is a very sad yet wonderful write. For I feel it is so very important to let these memories out. And it is also a glimpse inside of war that so many of us would never see except through your eyes. I am compiling such stories and memories from many who served during war-time. I hope to publish all these one day. War is a volitile subject for so many, my objective is neither to justify it nor condemn it, but rather to openly explore the effects of this on the men and women who have endured it. I am very proud of those who have served in our military, regardless of my personal views on the war at hand...I do love and cherish those who give up all they have for what they do or do not believe in. This was a very honest write Rick, bless you for the courage to share it. And may your dreams be sweet and blessed with peace.
Azlyn
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Azlyn
I appreate your consideration
and your thoughts for the Vetrans
Sometimes, it is like being on an island
Thank you for feeling my words
Rick
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you did a wonderful job. the cadence is nice, something to say aloud, and probably should be spoken instead of read. spoken for everyone to hear.
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Hotdog
Yes read aloud
I am just trying to bring reliefe to my innner mind
I thank you
Rick
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nice job
Nice retelling. I've heard similar stories with different details, and each is inspiring in its sincerity. The focus on 'Sunday' was a nice poetic touch, too. -
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First
This is not a retelling
This was a personel friend, Ron Ball
You will find his name in Washington 68-69
Sunday is not a poetic touch, combat is not M-F
I still have this dream 35 years later, it is my problem -
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OK...
To clarify, I meant a retelling of events that occurred on a previous date, and that in titling the piece, "Sunday", and putting the focus, as an artist, on the words of your friend rather than the anguish of the dream being reoccurring being the integral focus of your writing, was the reason for that compliment. I don't understand why you said, "combat is not M-F". I never in any way did, or belittled it in any way. -
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First
Sorry
I must have misunderstood
I am probally being defensive
My feelings were hert and my temper was showing
Again, Sorry -
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No harm, no foul. Everyone has their faults, and those only serve to show potential areas of improvement for us all, both in, for example, giving the benefit of the doubt that someone isn't trying to pick a fight, and in tolerating others' faults as well as our own. (Don't worry about it.)
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Endeavor,
a brave write. most men i know who have experienced the trauma of war rarely discuss it. and when they do, you KNOW, you just KNOW, that it's time to sit up and pay attention. it takes strength to carry on in the face of loss, and war is often nothing BUT devastation. even in victory, a high price has been paid (in the form of human life, sanity, security, etc).
best of luck in the contest. and thank you for sharing your experience of what is definitely a difficult subject. -
It's aweful that you and so many others have experienced such horrid events. My fiance is now serving a second deployment in Iraq and I'm a little afraid of how he'll be when he comes home. War changes people. Thanks for entering this.
Sara
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Je Suis
The good news is, soulders are trained for trama
The bad news is, your soul does not care
If he is on his secound tour, he is already acculimated
after a while, even death becomes routene
He will be OK, just pray for him
Rick
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Very Imperssionable
I have nightmares all the time. I haven't had a really good world and that comes through my dreams. I guess it's better than dream deprivation.
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Hi Angel
I never saw you read this
Thank you for your thoughts
I never suffer from dream depervation
Rick
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Amazing Rick! First I want to say that i am sorry to hear you have such dreams! They are certainly a haunting fact of nighttime horrors we have to live with. If I could I would take them from you for I rarely dream. On the poem, It is a great write "Only seldom do I see the laughing frightened faces...of my fallen friends". This seems like a thought of one in war who witnessed his friends lose their lifes. The imagery of blood covered images and and screaming people while tagging one in a mourge comes to mind. Awesome job. I wish I had more applauses but, i dont!
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Angel
You never need to applaud
Thank you for saying Amazing
I write this from memory of the days events
He died quickly, he was very brave
He was more worried about how his mom would feel
Oh well
Rick
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So beautifully sad..
hi rick, I wish i could hold you and remove all those painful memories that haunt you but unfortunately only you can do it.. This is very sad but also such a wonderful way for you to honour fallen comrades. You have seen atrocities but also beauty. Please keep writting, you have a true talent.. I am glad you sent it so i can read it... your friend always,
Francine
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Francine
I missed your comment, Sorry
Thank you for feeling this with me
Writing has slowed down my dreams
Rick
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This sounds like you were writing about your war experience, Rick, and it is a good piece, different or not. I like this, because it gives the reader a break from the nice lovey stuff, which everyone needs sometime. And this is a very good outlet is to write. I hope your recurring dream stopped.
- Cait -
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Cait
I am kind of sorry you had to read this
It is just a sad part of life in a modern world
It was a good outlet, It helped, Rick
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Rick, These works, your heart and even the comments made by others are a warm and heart felt place for all-the wounded survivers, the distressed families, and those like me who were old enough to be caught in a conflict and emotional time that we were just to young to understand.
This is a collection that SHOULD be published. It is truly wonderful.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
Marianne -
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Marianne
I just noticed you read this
Sorry it is so disterbing
I thank you for caring, Rick
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Wow, this is deep and full of soul. I love it. I think it is wonderful. It is sad. Yes, but I loved it. I think you write well. you are an amazing poet. Keep writing. My new found friend.
Tabitha*rose -
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Tabby
Sorry I never saw your comment
I am only amazing because I dare to say
exactly, what I feel without reguard to the reader
or how I may appear
In matters of Love, and Life, and Death, I care not
Thank you for reading my words
Rick -
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You are so welcome my friend.
I love reading your work.
Tabitha
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Wow! This poem is indeed a powerful poem that grabs my attention and holds it until the very end. I noticed that through this tragic story you still leave a note of positivity. You awake, and 'It's a beautiful day even for a Sunday'. Well done dear poet.
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Rosemarie
Thank you for reading
I love the passing of time
It is the great healer
Rick
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escellent
Very intense write, imagery is vivid to the reader. I am glad that you are writing as a way to heal. I hope your dreams continue to be more beautiful than horrible. Sad is not the word that I could use for this piece although I cannot think of any better. This is beyond my realm of sadness. I could not imagine having to witness some of these thing you have. Fantastic delivery with this write. -
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June
I can not say in words that will convay the emotion, of watching a brave man face death. We can only think about it.
I thank you for reading and feeling my words
Rick
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Sobering, gripping and so very sad... thanks for asking me to read this... I have recurring dreams as well... and they aren't nice ones...
This is outstanding in the way it's written... you have a way of getting feelings/emotions out through your words... I admire that greatly!
~Melissa
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Molassis
Sorry for your dreams
I used to have this one often, Now i have some reliefe
I thank you for your words of kindness
Rick
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Rick,you penned this amazing. I don't like the fact that you have this to deal with; but I love the pieces inspired by it. This is truly a brilliant piece...Trina
He asks me the day of the week
Sunday I say to him
“Good, I wanted to die on a Sunday”
We tagged him and sent him away...
I cried later in the day
I wake..
It`s a beautiful day
even for a Sunday
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Trina
Thank you for reading
Thease are the souber moments that live with us our entire life, Now it just herts less. Today, Sunday, reminded me of this, Always. Thank you for saying Brillant
A great complement from a woman like you
Rick -
Trina
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X
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If she wants to read than yes. Id love some more opinions. ^_^
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You said a lot there Marilee, It pounds my heart, Dad
My AP wife (not romantic.. good friends) wants to read your writing
Can I send her please
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I love this poems like this. There deep, they hit you right in the heart. Make your sallow harder.
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Thank myou for reading my words, This is a poem I can bearly read now. I may take your sugestion if I can get myself to make the words, Rick
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Rick ~ Again, I don't consider this a dark poem - more of a celebration of a man's life and the honorable life of a man who had to feel and see more than any man should. I believe dreams are stress relievers, and in dreaming, you are letting go of the pain and the agony of war. Let them come. Write them down. It is like a cleansing...
Love,
Lane -
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Lane
I must have missed your comment and noticed it when I pined this to my front page. Sunday always rememdes me this and it is Sunday again. I will NEVER forget his words. he was a religious man. I make this breaf because it hert to write this. We actually talked for about fifteen minets before he died. He wasn`t even afairaide like most. It was the most beautifull and horrific thing I ever saw. I think that is why I remember it so well, Rick
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I never read this, I comment back without looking. I still cry like a dam fool for the ones I lost. This man was in my squad within the platoon. In five minets he was gone his injuries were that termatic.. Thank God it has been so many years now. I very much appreate your kind words. I only have my dreams now when I am stressed out. Rick
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There are far too many who will never understand what Soldiers go through. The battle fields where fight and spill our blood, the cries that haunt us until our last breath. Dr's tell us its PDSD, or its in our heads. Only those who were there can truly know. The sounds of bullets fling past, people yelling, people crying in pain, the deafening sounds of the explosions all around us, even the organized Kos of that moment will haunt us. Those who have been in Hell know.. No Dr’s can really help, but Soldiers can help because We Understand better than anyone. Thank you for sharing this with me.
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Sandy, Thank you for reading my words. I never wrote on this subject before and it was sugested to me by a good femail friend. It did help. I will send you a favorite of mine, so you don`t think i write dark, Rick
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WONDERFUL POEM
Thank you so much for telling me about this poem. I sit hear with tears in my eyes now. It was that heartfelt. You write with such passion and I can relate to your emotion. My best friend returned from Iraq a few months ago and I prayed for his safe return everyday and to return to his family. It is so hard having someone you love in harms way. I am sure you were such a comfort to this brave young man. War is always sad but sometimes nessasary. I shall add you to my favorites. Love you poetry, you write from your heart. Take care, Sandy
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endeavor4u - i was referrring to the thousands of people
who read your poems - not you, persoanlly.
my feelings are the more people that read this; then maybe;
some of the hatred in the world may begin to stop. that through
your poem; people's eyes may be opened to the neverending and devastating consequences of war.
i apologize if my comment brought back painful memories
for you; that was not my intent and i am sorry.
lynn
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Lynn, Some poems can not be reread by me, I am done with this for life, Rick
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a hearwrenching and deeply sad poem.
your words are passionate and deliberte.
as they should be. this is wonderfully
written with a message i hope many
many people read. for you to write about
such deep emotions of such horror; is a lovely example
of your gift and i thank you for sharing.
lynn
Edited on Jul 15, 3:01 because ''. -
My step dad was in Nam.I remember him coming home one night after a really bad horseback riding accident where he was well really beat up.My mother,me and his friend(mind you his friend was a big dude) had to hold him down and just sit on him for a couple hours because he was having this flashback about a friend of his.It was horrible just listening to the things he was saying and the way he faught so hard.I cannot immagine what the real thing must have been like but I am sure that I am glad I never had to go through it.Our soldiers,I bless with all my heart.Past, Present Young or old. they all deserve to know that there are people out there who love and respect their courage.Thank you for leading me to this write.You did an excellent job writing this. Good luck in the contest and all you do!! Many blessings to you my friend!!
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great write, thanks for entering
GOOD LUCK
Delicate<3 -
Awesome!!!!!!!
Thank you sir, and the same to you. Thank you for writing about something so personal. It's something that I believe more people in the world should understand. If they did, then perhaps there would be less pointless bloodshed in this world. Again, thank you for sharing this and always remember our fallen comrads. -
Sorry I am so late responding, I just saw your comment.
Thank you for reading my words, and as we said in Nam
Welcome Home Brother -
Thank you for reading my words
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wow that is another deep one that is very good!! you write wonderfully!!
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my friend "Whispered Devotions" linked me to it. I was in the Air Force for a few years during the first Iraq campaign in 1991.
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Thank you for commenting, How did you find this poem?
What branch of the service were you in and what year? -
fantastic
excellent write, being ex-military i can really relate to this piece. this is an excellent description of what is like to lose a friend in combat and to have that memory haunt you. keep up the excellent work. -
Taging in this contex, is putting a tag on there toe, with there Name, Rank, Cause of death, and Location of the Body.
Is this how you read the poem in your mind? -
This one was my favorite by far. I was lost in this poem. I just kept reading tranced by the overwhelming sadness and yet still a hint of calming rememberence I got from the lines of ths poem.. You really hit home with this one.. it stabbed to the very heart of me.
We tagged him and sent him away
I wake..
It`s a beautiful day
even for a Sunday
That was flawless.. truly the strongest part of this piece. A few of the best lines I have ever read. "We tagged him and sent him away" it brought new meaning to a childhood game.. To me it showed the innocence of children, it portrayed how in such horrid times and circumstances a child will still reach out to their friend with something happy and comforting. I am not sure if this is how you meant it, but when reading that line I felt like a child trying to help his friend let go by opening a memory of love and friendship to him. WOW!! I am breathless with how awe struck I am. I will remember this piece forever, it is engraved across my heart.
Amy -
Hi, good poem, I would have written through and not thru but you are American,lol,I see someone called you Rick, sorry thought it was Lee, hugs Di
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wow i like this very much tells alot ty for letting me know
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Wow Rick, this is intense, its rather a short poem for all the content in here and the depth of your story, but it starts beautifully, hits the reader hard and than ends beautifully again, awesome write, keep churning out these wonderful, touching poems.
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Beautifully Said!!!!!
Rick:
This is really awesomely written, you have once again outdone yourself in your writing and expressed the dreams, what they make you feel.....
Thanks for shairng.....
AS always,
AngleicMistress
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Dreams can often serve as a reminder of things we would best forget or put in the past and bury. However, it is that same past that has helped to create and mold the person we each are today and you seem to have a good handle on things. Great poem. :
♥ Touchof1der -
Thank you for your comments, the world has long since changed
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Thank you Dee for writing Me..lol On the lighter side, You may like "Forever and a Day" or "The Wonder of Life"
By the way, I an OK -
It's a beautiful day, even for a Sunday.... As we grow older, each day is a beautiful day, just because it's a new day for us. And those other days, the ones long past, the ones when we lost loved ones, were hurt or in emotional pain, eventually take their place tucked into the backs of our minds, to be brought out only for special occasions when our minds tend to wander into those dark recesses.
Your poem speaks of great sadness, a comrade lost, emotional scars that may neve completly heal ...and in the end, it's still all good as we put aside that bad dream and open our eyes to another new day.
An exceptionally superb poem
Dee
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This was very well written. I especially loved the last two lines. They made me laugh, actually. Sunday's are never any good. Even if this isn't how you usually write, it is very good, especially to someone who doesn't like this style usually!
amanda -
Actually, I would have liked to hear your first comment. Send it to me by IM. Say anything, I am not damaged or fragil, Rick
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Tell your Uncle "Welcome Home Brother 68-69" He will know
Thank you for your kind words,
I am fine, I am here on the planet -
Rick, this is a very powerful and profound piece.
Your angst over the loss of your friend is evident in this write. So many men have gone away to war and been forced to watch as their friends die in their arms. My uncle was a Sgt. in the Army and fought in Vietnam, he too watched many friends die, and he too was haunted by the nightmares and silent screams in the dark. I pray that you are set free from the nightmares soon my friend.
A perfect piece Rick, truly it is, and my heart goes out to you.
~Sherry~
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