Oh my...
Cousin just got back
from Iraq
and the party is just getting started.
Our small town blues
have gotten a makeover
merging with red and white
into a tapestry of joyous song.
The collective sigh of relief
is palpable over the bar,
like a bubble that didn’t burst
as we belt out as loud as we can that
yes indeed
we are proud to be American.
One of our own
has come home.
Thank you…
Author notes
My home town of Chisholm, Mn, recently had 3 of it residents return after an extended tour in Iraq. My cousin is one of them.
Over this past weekend, a welcome home party was held at the Slovenian Home in Chisholm, a bar rich in history for this area. (and also in a couple of scenes in the movie "North Country") During karoake singing, the song "Proud to be an American" was sung, by the entire bar. I tried to capture the moment here, and hope I did it justice. Here's hoping that all of out troops come home soon.
A contest entry
- There's No Place Like Home. by Poetryintheblood.
350 points, ended August 12, 2007, 5 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - U.S. Patriotism by CelticQueen.
1500 points, ended July 23, 2008, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
-
I’m glad your cousin has returned safely from Iraq, your joy is very much felt in this poem. Here in my area we have had to bury 7 of our loved ones. Parents cling desperately to the fact that they died for a worthy cause. I continue to pray for those still over there and their safe return.
-
-
sanch011, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Seven from one area! I am so very sorry for your and your community's loss. I know carrying such a load weighs heavily on your shoulders and your hearts.
celtic queen -
We were relieved that our cousin came home, and our hearts go out to those families whose loved ones aren't so fortunate. I look forward to the safe return of all our soldiers as well, and the sooner the better in my view. Thanks for reading.
peace
doug
-
-
Thank you for your entry, and it's always nice to know that one has returned from the war safely, Josephine
-
-
You are welcome, and thanks for hosting.
peace
doug
-
-
I too do not agree with the purposes of this war, but as one who lost some close in Iraq lift my voice in your joyous song!
Marianne
-
-
Thanks, Marianne. It was a moving experience. I'm not one to go about singing these patriotic songs, but the moment was very powerful for those of us there.
My condolences on you losing someone close over there. It almost seems "selfish" to celebrate ours coming home when so many don't, and yet it was such a release/relief that we couldn't help it.
peace
doug
-
-
Although I don't agree with the reasons we are in Iraq. I can agree I'm very proud of our brave retainers of liberty. And I pray with all that's in me. They are all told by September's end,to come on home.I wish it was right now instead though.I know the joy and relief that must of been felt by everyone in attendance there.Oil is not worth one drip of our brave ones. We need an alternative fuel to fossil.
-
-
suseann, I was never in favor of this war either. And I too pray with all that's in me for a speedy return home for all of our troops. I feel fortunate to experience the joy, and release, of having our family member make it back safe and send out compassion to those families who aren't so fortunate.
Thanks for reading.
peace
doug
-
-
nice vignette there, Wat, a slice of Americana... now I have a nephew in the Green Zone, and I told him he'd better get a purple heart and make something of himself, the slug!
-
-
Thanks, wbiro. And that's exactly what it is, a slice of Americana at its finest. My best wishes to your nephew on a safe return home.
peace
doug
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 11 of 11
