I watched her kneel upon his grave,
her husband, her hero, his life he gave.
She buried her head in trembling hands,
and there I saw her wedding band.
Oh what she'd give to touch his face,
lay down her life, and take his place.
To ease the pain of her shattered heart,
from this lonely life, she'd gladly part.
But for his child that she must raise,
she'll continue to live her lonely days.
Beyond this lady, I saw a man,
graying hair, with book in hand.
From grave to grave he slowly walked,
Frost's poems, that which he talked.
A mother's tears fell to the ground,
silent pain, that made no sound.
A rose she placed upon his stone,
her baby boy, forever gone.
This mother knelt, with spade in hand,
she dug a hole, and loosened sand.
A bag of candy, his favorite kind,
M&M's, with him she dined.
Then in the distance, I heard a cry,
another mother's sad goodbye.
I watched her husband take her hand,
embraced her waist, and helped her stand.
As they placed their child into the ground,
prayers and weeping, the only sound.
The flag of freedom, proudly flew,
as shots rang out, his last salute.
Then in the distance, a stranger cried...
as I knelt to pray for those who died.
Author notes
Chapter 60, in Arlington Va., I visited, and these are some of the sad sights that I saw. In memory of lives lost at war, and the families they leave behind.
Option 1: Military Life
In a list
A contest entry
- ROUND 1 Contest ~ Anything goes ~ Points in final round 1950! by Florida Sunshine.
525 points, ended July 20, 2007, 48 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Military Poems by Pollycheck.
450 points, ended April 21, 2008, 94 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Military- by Elizabeth883.
900 points, ended May 17, 2008, 16 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - In Remembrance by SomeonesToySoldier.
875 points, ended June 3, 2008, 13 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Service Poems by Sergeant Awesome.
675 points, ended February 8, 15 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 24 of 24
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Wow
I really, really loved that last line especially. How heart breaking it seems to me when I see someone it that place, and know that a prayer is all that I can give them. Nothing we can do will make up for what they have lost. But, Prayer is the best I can do as well.
Really beautiful and emotional poem, with absolutely amazing imagery. You transported me back to Arlington with you while I was reading it.
Well done, and congrats on your silver.
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ty Lark, it was really a heartbreaking sight and as you said, more so when there's nothing you can do
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A very touching poem. It reminds me of the military funerals that I myself was a part of. I liked the rhyme sceme you used in this poem and its flow was near flawless. Great poem and thanks for entering it in my contest.
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thank you for your wonderful comments and the silver
!
Blessings,
Sassy
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Oh wow.
Chills up and down my spine, and tears down my face. What an excellent write you have here. Thank you for entering my contest, and good luck.
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thanks for the Gold, and the silver
These are 2 of my favorite poems, I once was a military wife and I know how hard of a life that can be. I salute not only the men and women who are in the military, but also the loved ones and family who support and love them through it all.
My prayers will be with you and yours, and I pray for him a successful BT and a long successful career.
Blessings,
Sassy
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Thank you for entering my military contest. This is a woderfully written poem that captures chapters out of many peoples lives. You can be very proud of this write.
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thank you for hosting such a wonderful contest, a reminder to keep in our hearts and prayers those who are still fighting, and for those who lost their lives and all families left behind.
Sincerely,
Sassy
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, Thanks for the gold!
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My grandfather has a headstone there~ he was lost in the war. This poem just reaches out and touches your heart! Wow~ nice job~ Thanks for entering my contest~ it truly is a great write! Nice!
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Beautiful! I love this...So touching. nice work
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Aw wow this is brilliant and extremely touching. I have been to one of the cemetaries in France of the people who died in WWII and that was an amazing and sad place. It's such a shame that this happens - you have captured it brilliantly. Take care and keep up the wonderful work x
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sad, but very beautiful.
well written. i like this -
Whether at Arlington or across the seas
The souls that lay here and there are souls that didn't wait.
Even in our own home town plots.
Our military lay in our ground.
Wether at home or across the seas, hearts weep continusely.
Lord help us move on in time.
What has happened is not fine or a crime.
Just a bad hand of fate.
For our country not a mistake.
Help these who cry and weep,
Help get them back on their feet.
Bless them so that they can go on.
mac
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i loved that, very well done
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so sad. the lost of a loved one is tha most terrible thing that can happen in this world. War although nessary at times rips lifes appart. thais was a great poem. the flow was excellent and your transition from people to people had a great effect. All i can do is follow your exzample and pray for those people and for our soldiers still fighting.
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Very poignant.
I commend you for a poignant piece, no matter where or how they fell these soldiers that are buried at Arlington deserve our respect.
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The second half of this poem is much stronger than the first, I felt the first half could do with some work as the second half outshines it. The second half tells me that you have the talent to make this whole poem shine. I think you have chosen a lovely topic for your write as sad as it is you have approached it with much creativity and shown the real potential of this work.
Thanks for sharing this write.
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thank you,
for your suggestions, I went back and made a few changes to the beginning lines. As I re-read it, I agreed with your comment. Thanks
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Touching
You have beautifully touched on the sadness that must hang like clouds over Arlington National Cemetery, where for decades those who have given their lives for their country have been laid to rest. I have ancestors who were buried there long ago and I'm sure the grief of their mothers/families was the same then as it is now. Thank you for helping us remember those who gave so much.
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That was totally heart wrenching. A beautiful, sad write which touched every part of my heart with cold fingers and squeezed. This is poignant and sorrowful, a beautiful, haunting, fabulous write.
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I can tell that this visit really tore at your heart [and I can't imagine it any other way] There is so much sadness that has affected families on each side of every war. Unfortunately it is always the young soldiers that lose their lives because our governments can not agree[yet they do not go and put their lives on the line-not even for their country]
. a very heartwrenching write
reenie
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I live in Arlington VA
and my mom's boyfriend works in Arlington cemetary replacing head stones and tending the grounds. I have been there a few times. It is both beautifull and eternally sad and haunting. Thanks for the read.
I encourage you to keep writing to read and comment
God Bless
Tammy -
sensitive response to the grief of others
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