He cried on my shoulder while
telling me stories I never wanted to hear,
about the heat and exhaustion,
the pain and fear.
Missiles soaring overhead,
and bullets flying everywhere.
Confusion and chaos
- the fierce desire to flee and survive -
warring against his honor and pride.
The adrenaline of fighting beside comrades and friends,
because the towers fell and innocent people died,
and his heart cried out for retribution
when he saw tears in the Eagle’s eye.
He told me about his comrades who were hurt,
and friends that had died.
He told me about the people who attacked them,
and of those he had to kill.
Faces who haunt his dreams,
both friendly and foe;
the screams, the explosions,
the absolute silence in the end.
He told me all of this,
while crying on my shoulder;
America’s soldier, America’s hero,
my beloved husband, my hero.
Author notes
I wrote this poem after I foolishly tried to wake my husband during a nightmare he was having. The man nearly took my head off in his panic, and I learned the valuable lesson all vetern wives learn: never wake them without using a ten foot pole.
Anyway, he had been dreaming of his tour in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda, and when I woke him, he thought he had fallen asleep while on duty.
I had never seen such panic in his eyes before, and I guess I never really understood what it must have been like for him being on the front lines, despite the few stories I have heard.
So, from me to you: regardless of your feelings for this war - the politics, the money, whatever - never forget that there are those who willingly stand between us and the bomb-happy terrorists. They each deserve our respect and support for the lifelong sacrifices they give. They are each heros.
A contest entry
- Memorial Day by Tamera.
1000 points, ended June 8, 2007, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Congrats on winning Silver.
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Such a beautiful heartfelt tribute! Our soldiers desever our utmost respect and our love and support when they come back. Deffenantly deserved your Silver!
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Excellent write. It brings back memories and I'm sure everyone suffers, I know our family did. I believe if mother's ran the country we would have less wars. What do you think? My hat is off to you.
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I was impressed by the emotion you were able create with your word choice, I also thought the format and style you chose helped get across what you wanted the reader to feel. Your words were touching and his memories are what Memorial day is all about. Reminding us to take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these men. Tell you hero I said Thank you.
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