Soldiers at night, helmeted and plated
disappear into the shift of sand
like wind that leaves nothing but snaked
ridges as evidence of having stepped this way.
At night, when the stars strobe in the Universe,
it is as if heroes have been plucked
like seed sized diamonds to be pinned
to black velvet. Gathering of good men,
like the quick silver of schools of fish
in streaks across the midnight fold,
swim the quiet space keeping watch
on wishes sent from the sand hills.
One sputtering comet gives its last gasp;
a treasure in a trove of Truthful collections
of young new galaxies of greatness.
Oh, helmet of good night, cupping death
in the crease of a corporal’s Christly command;
protect us from a sky that falls, and leaves
shrapnel traveling on dunes of destiny.
Oh, Jason, let it be said, in the grinding
gang wars of the cities, the selfish shootings
in our safe house, in the drive-by dangers,
and the whining wagers of spoiled young men,
that this is what heroes are made of: A boy
who will draw the horizon’s black kiss
to his own lips. Cpl. Dunham slipped
into the monastery of Sainthood and becomes
a star to peer at when you enter
your own decent doorways of daring.
Author notes
elmersbro.blog hi.com/2005/10 /01/cpl-jason- dunham-america n-hero.html
Written November 10th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- No Bravery Anymore by Child of Water.
1050 points, ended November 25, 2006, 22 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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No, I heard about him on CNN amd was so struck by his heroism that I followed up to know more. thank you for your reply. I appreciate it. God Bless all the heroes.
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So far this is my favorite of all the entries. A wonderful, yet dark tribute to who seems to be the embodiement of a hero for you. Was it just a story that captured you, or do you have some link to this young man? Thank you for sharing this, best wishes
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angels are born of such, no matter the waste, I think, because it was their ultimate sacrifice for what they beleived in. For him to go that extra mile, to do that ultimate good thing, no matter what that might have been ( even if it had not been a grenade) would ahve taken him. such a beautiful soul as that deserves better than this earth, I believe.
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It's just looking into thoses eyes of Jasons. He could be any mothers son. A manchild too young and filled with tomorrows promise to be wasted in a conflict that wasn't well thought out nor planned for.With no thought to exiting and how much pressure is enough. Where and when do you know we came to accomplish our goals. Nor what are those goals? I'm inclined to think we need to stand down until these questions are answered.And I don't give a fig for what other countries have to say nor the bloody terrorist.We need to have some immediatly answers.~~Suseann
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Yes, I saw a special ont hat today as well...was the other young man's name "Turk" or something; one who had shared his thoughts and saying he could not tell his family how truly awful it was. What a shame...such courage and bravery gone to war...when we need such heroes here to work with our troubled youth.
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You are welcome. I hate war. I hate that we send our young people to fight old men's ideas. But, I can honor thoe brave enough to do what they truly believe in enough to go and defend it...and us.
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There was a young soldier featured in his thoughts on Iraq on CNN last night.Named Jason,from a small town here in Kansas.Sent home after the interview,but recalled for a second tour of duty. He was having a bit of pain of his soul in having to face his family he said after all he under orders had done and seen.He had died on that second tour from a shot to the head. Brave is one who returns to face the devil after surviving his first encounter.But it makes me wonder,did he risk more than he should have ,on purpose.Because of the emotional scars too deep to bare. He is a true hero still in every sense of the word.It's just so sad the men who march the kids off to battles,don't lead the fraw on the front lines themself.Great tribute Carol~Suseann
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good
This is a thought provoking piece and certainly stirs up emotion as any war and those serving do as we know all to well that death is on the horizon. Good luck in your contest, I thank you for sharing your tribute with us this evening. ~Tia -
thank you for stopping by SilverButterfly. I have fallen in my family as well.
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thank you Nascent Pawn. I aprpeciate you stopping by.
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thank you fallower for visitng and commenting.
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God bless you for this write!It is such a tribute to the fallen.May they never be forgotten for their bravery and honor. Beautiful, just Beautiful!!!! GBY
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A moving poem with a heartfelt voice and a beautiful style. MOving indeed.
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You are so right! It takes so much daring and strength to overcome the miseries of war!
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Thank you, honeybear. We all have ways with words...I am just driven to write.
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Thank you, kendalpalmer, There are some things I am very passionate about...that young men have to die in such a way is not the best way to have to become a hero...but the bravest way I knwo right now.
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very good
exelent work,thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest with this very deep and thought provoking write,you certainly have a way with words
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This writing is simply marvelous! I enjoyed this piece immensely. This poem really stirred the branches of my heart, made them quiver. This poem has a nice natural gentle flow. I definitely wasn't expecting all of the stuff between the first line and the ending statement. Your wording was excellent. I am glad I read it. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work. Best of wishes to you. good luck in all that you do....peace always in all ways. You rock....
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