Who would have thought pansies could be so belligerent
That the promise of color for my drab abode
Would awaken the ghosts
With overturned shovel
Moist soil memories outweighed by honey, do
Why should she share my pungent burden
Share my eternal jungle tangle tour
Forever sleeping in shallow shell scrapes
Mumbling names I swore I would never forget
Keeping at least their wisp alive
blooms internalized
Maybe I was pansy yellow
Urine stains don't show in the monsoon
Ambushed again from my boredom
Kissing grenade blown grit from my teeth and collar
I can't seem to wipe my hands clean
Brown/red, red/brown red, red, red...
Wound sucking my chest again
I dig without frantic incentive
Pulling, straining things I need
To make a safe place for family to grow
I'm afraid I'll feel it in the morning
Author notes
With respect, honoring our veterans
A contest entry
- One Day: Earth by Nicole Hanna.
300 points, ended June 30, 2007, 11 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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This is powerful stuff. While I am a Viet Nam era veteran, the only combat I experienced was fighting for a seat on the bus back to Howard Air Force base in Panama.
You have touched on several sensitive issues in your poem that relate to me on a very personal level that don't have anything to do with being a veteran and I found that most impressive.
Sincerely,
Leo Long
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Well done
Excellent write.
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This breaks my heart, you must have an insight to things from something you have experienced in life. You are so accomplished with words I am almost afraid to put down any. Thank you for sharing this.
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My councelor, who has become almost a colleage, shared his frustrations of dealing with the PTSD nam vets. He told of a man who trying to plant flowers, triggered an episode by the smell of the earth. His wife had told him that she couldn't listen anymore. The isolation can be devastating. If you have someone, always try to be a good listener, if you are strong enough. Pass the burden above...
Read this, it happened in North Carolina
http://allpoetry.com/poem/1782089
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sorry hit the wrong key again
this is a very deeply intense poem, and you say you were not there? Very well written I liked the way you built into the meat of the poem and the ending was superb, thanks for sharing, good write.
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That is a very
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Ah, And the Word came ...
and the Word said: Let there be Light. And it was GOOD.
I can but think of this phrase, which is churning inside me the entire of this morning. I must be off on my chores, but I needed to say this to you. None with his hands in good earth can NOT be healed.
Intense poem with staggering imagery.
And: a sisterly kiss to you, my brother!
Love
Myra
Ps. I am not English ... the first line: Is that not would HAVE thought? x
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This reminded me of something that happened with my step-father about ten years ago. Having been in Vietnam, he once woke in the middle of the night screaming. Sometimes, he'd hear a plane and drop to the ground, ducking. It was... unsettling, to say the least. But this shows me I have no idea how unsettling it was for HIM. Thanks for entering.
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"Who would of thought pansies could be so belligerent"
Hmmm...this is a bit different for you, my Friend...Curious, intense imagery within...I like what you've done here. Why should she share your pungent burden??? Because she loves you, Scribe. She can't help it; that's what you do for loved ones...you share burdens & joys equally. Good luck in Nicole's contest. Wanda
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This is a post traumatic event triggered by the smell of earth, gardening with the wife. He internalizes, to preserve the quality time; suffering alone...
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