Heated rivalry ensued deep
Within bowels of uncertainty;
Angels of mercy, cloaked
In heavy boots & hard hats.
Weakened floors, torn asunder
Beneath scorched palms;
Haunted by images, imprinted
Upon memories, never forsaken--
You were there.
Scorched breath, obscured by
Pitch black, emblazoned within:
Ventures, undertaken in silence;
Selfless acts of heroism, in peril—
To mourn fallen comrades;
To answer a call to arms;
To cradle a lifeless child;
Exposed to perilous infernos;
You were there.
Symbols of goodness poked through
The confines of hell, to comfort
Sullen eyes; outstretched tears implored:
To pierce oblivion with courage, ablaze.
Valor was found, embedded in the ashes.
To preserve life; driven by compassion;
Charging forward into Ground Zero;
Bonded by brotherhood, hand in hand.
You were there.
Author notes
When firefighters bravely rush into searing infernos for us, they do it with honor, dignity, and compassion for the preservation of life. I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to these courageous men and women, who freely give so much of themselves in the face of death and uncertainty, so that we may have a brighter future. I implore you to join hands, and thank your local fire department. They deserve our eternal gratitude.
I also encourage you to turn up the volume, and watch this video dedication to firefighters. It's a little under four minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3XQEbuOh8
Wallpaper credit with permission:
http://www.firehouse.com/terrorist/wall/
A contest entry
- ~Michael Israel~ by Asdzaa Nadleehe.
3250 points, ended November 28, 2007, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Invite For... Gold winners Judged by RedwingSpirit.
475 points, ended April 4, 2008, 25 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - For my friends.. prewrites needed by Riftkin.
575 points, ended April 17, 49 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 51 of 51
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It's small wonder that you won all those trophys with this terrific dedication. Just a wonderful poem, penned with empathy, and replete with great descriptions and imagery.
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Thanks again, David.
You've encouraged me to grow in poetry so much since I joined up with AP.
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wow cool I am so glad that they saved you all!!
people take for granted how they put their lives on the line for us everyday dont they and they have families back home who worry everytime they are called out to a job....
they truly are angels xx
some great trophies that you deserved for this touching write.
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Thank you.
You are so right. They truly are angels. I read a book called LET'S ROLL, by Lisa Beamer. She was married to one of the very brave passengers who was killed on flight 93 on 9/11. So many people lost their lives that day, and it really bothers me why so many in this world waste so much time and energy killing each other, but some good things happened, as heroes rose from the ashes, and it often came from some very unexpected places. I read one account of a man who was in the south tower about 30 floors up, and he carried another man that had been in a wheelchair out of the building. By the grace of God, they made it out and got behind a car just as the tower started to fall. They both survived. Both of these men were from two completely different cultures, and they bonded into brotherhood after that experience. Heroes inspire me every day.
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A fitting tribute to those whe sacrifice so much for society. Thank you for writing this and congratulations on a well deserved trophy.
Paul -
I enjoyed this poem of yours..
and want to wish you the best
with it in my contest.
As your words have proven to be
worthy of reading by me and all others.
Riftkin
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Thanks for taking the time to enter this into my contest I wish you the best of luck
Congrats on the silver -
Excellent tribute, especially in the deftly handled repetitions. Well done...and well merited by the firefighters.
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Men and women who daily sacrifice their lives, to keep us safe. And on the day we will always remember, their lives were taken with honor and glory-a poem of remembrance, that we should never forget tghem. Wonoderfully written.
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Indeed breath taking. A very beautiful piece and such a inspiring dedication. Nicely done and congrats on silver.
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A wonderfully touching write and dedication to our hometown hero's who get so little praise. Great job on grabbing the silver...Scott
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A wonderful dedication to those that often times lay down their lives for us. My best friend is a fire fighter and I thank the lord daily for men and women like him. Brave souls who consider themselves just doing their job. Thank you for composing such a fantastic piece.
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Your words make me smile.
Thank you! I am so touched to receive such thoughtful comments on this poem. It moved me beyond words to write, almost more than any other poem I've written.
Don
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My dear brother a wonderful new addition to your beautiful page...
I just wanted to thank you for creating such beauty and sharing it with me...smiles
I adore the passion in this write...bravo..
Peace and many blessings
~A~ -
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Thank you so much, Asdzaa.
That means so much. This one sure took a lot out of me to write, but I'm so glad that I wrote it. Thank you for the silver!! Don
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poignantly expressed... very well composed indeed
powerful and stark imagery!
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Don, there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said. Any human being who acts in the sevice of others in my mind, is a hero or heroine. Firefighters, police and all public servant put their lives on the line every day they do their jobs.
You have penned a wonderful tribute to them all, it was a pleasure to read.
Thank you....Sue
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Thank you so much, Sue.
Your comments on this poem just make me smile from ear to ear. Don
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beautiful imagery here my friend.
and a wonderful message. keep up the great work! i might just go by your page sometime ^^
Abby -
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Thank you so much, Abby.
I sure appreciate so many kind comments on this poem. Don
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WOW.
WOW. That is a seriously amazing poem. There are so many poems to read on this site so that very few are actually remembered. But this one is going to stay embedded in my mind forever.
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Thank you!!
Your comments on this poem just made me smile from ear to ear. I can't tell you how appreciative I am. This is one poem that took a lot out of me to write, but I am so glad that I wrote it. Knight70
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Beautiful.
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Thank you very much.
Knight70
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Wow this is great my dad was a firefighter till he injured his back i think I will have to share this with him Sure he'd love it to. Good luck with this Awesome piece in the contest
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Thank you so much, Cara.
I hope this is something that your dad can appreciate just as much as you do. Your comments on this poem are so appreciated. Don
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OOOOOOooooh my this is simply mind taking,
some wonderful work, very touching and heartfelt,
so glad to see this in the spotlight.
Thank you for sharing and reminding us all through your words. And thank you for the extra links, I think I may need a tissue box..
Blessings to all.
Frozentearz
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Thank you so much.
These glowing comments on this poem make me smile from ear to ear. This was one of the poems that moved me beyond words to write in the year I've been writing poetry. ~Don
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"Valor was found, embedded in the ashes"
just some of the amazing metaphors used
in this remarkable write.
You really outdid yourself with this one!
Simply outstanding!
~Pastel
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Thank you so much, Pastel.
I'm very proud of this poem. It felt good to write it. Knight70
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I just watched the video - powerful stuff.
I also just spotlighted it for the front page so hopefully it will appear there shortly
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OKOKOK, starting to read this made me realise I'm gonna have to go through this in stages because there are so many great lines to talk about!
Heated rivalry - lovely play on words
bowels of uncertainty; - you've summed up what every
fireman has to contend with every time they go to work in 3 words. Excellent
Angels of mercy, cloaked
In heavy boots & hard hats. - that is just the most perfect stanza, it has to be said. The contrast of angels and firemen's uniform couldn't be greater yet that is exactly what they are.
Haunted by images, imprinted
Upon memories - as well as the physical side (which I couldn't deal with) you have portrayed the emotional and mental side well...the things they see must be so harrowing.
Scorched breath - I like, I like
emblazoned - I love that word, so I just thought I'd pull it out lol
Ventures, undertaken in silence;
Selfless acts of heroism, in peril— - another perfect stanza...heroes every one of them. And very overlooked too, it's great that you have written this.
To cradle a lifeless child; - I can't imagine going to work every day knowing that is what you might have to and will inevitably some time face...awful, just awful
To pierce oblivion with courage, ablaze - a very noble description
Valor was found, embedded in the ashes. - DAMN I LOVE THAT LINE. Fantastic!
Charging forward into Ground Zero;
Bonded by brotherhood, hand in hand.
Another perfect stanza to finish.
Well I am glad you pointed me in the direction of this piece. I really can't imagine the bravery of these men and women, it's just staggering and...reminds me that there IS goodness in humanity.
Bravo. Take care x
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Wow!!! Thank you!!!!!
I was just elated to read every word in these comments, George. It really helps me, especially since I am really so new to writing poetry. Writing this took a lot out of me, given the subject material, but it's one of the pieces I am most proud of. I can't thank you enough for such a glowing comment/review. Uncle Knight from across the pond
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I think I have to say it is one of your best if not your best poem in my opinion...
I know what it's like just starting out and getting the comments and feedback and it's just nice to be able to pass that on to someone as deserving as yourself
Take care!
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This is an amazing piece.Mine is nothing compared to this,You have much talent dear friend.Goodluck to you in this contest.Much love always
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Thank you sooo much, C.J.
This is probably one of the toughest poems I've written. When I saw the video that shows artist, Michael Israel, bouncing around a stage, splashing paint on a spinwheel canvas, my heart sunk to the floor when I saw the image of a firefighter, cradling a little girl. It helped to inspire this, without a doubt. Then, I watched the video that I have in my author notes, and the rest just fell into place. Don
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superb ,you draw me into the heroic drama,,nothing namby pamby here , a heroic write, good luck peter
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Thank you, Peter!
This poem is something I was honored to write. Don
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Very good depiction of our firefighters. We have the best in the world and we should be proud of them. This poem is worthy of all of the things our firefighters do. Bravo to you Don for honoring them. Excellent poem telling us in vivid images and detail what they are up against at any time.
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Thank you so much, Jeff.
What a glowing comment to wake up to this morning! Being from Washington, I'm sure you remember when six firefighters lost their lives in the Pang warehouse.
Don
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Very deep powerful poem misted my eyes a bit. Beautiful tribute to these men who dedicate their lives to us daily. Best to you in the contest ~blessings always~
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Thank you so much.
This misted my eyes to write, so we're even. Your comments on it made me smile from ear to ear. Don
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A tremendously powerful and passionate dedication for those noble heroes who serve to restore our belief in the goodness of the human spirit. 'To pierce oblivion with courage, ablaze.'- This is just one of the many remarkable lines in this superb poem. Best of luck in the contest with this terrific piece.
David
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Thank you so much, David.
Your comments on my work always inspires me to write more expressively. Don
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My dear friend your wondrous words brought me to tears for I so remember the fear i entailed when 9/11 hit -impatiently and continually trying to reach my friend who works for FDNY.I couldnt reach her nor her family, scaring the bejeebies out of me. in time the peace settled within my heart and soul when I finally heard from her to know she was ok and safe dispite losing some of her fellow comradeswho were like family to her. Many loving blessings always for the beauty and love in your spirit shines deeply in your heart and words of eternal hope. xxxx
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Thank you so much.
Your comments on this poem touched me beyond what words can say. I am so glad that your friend made it through such a horrific day. I am deeply sorry for the fallen comrades she must mourn for today. Your friend is my hero. Don
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Such beautiful poetry...The honor that you have given to these men in this write is simply incredible something everyone needs to read and share....
Thank you so much for this amazing entry...
Peace and many blessings
~A~
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Thank you and you're welcome!
I can't tell you how deeply moved I was when I finished watching Michael Israel honor firefighters. It prompted me to write this poem. I was also greatly inspired by the video link that I put in my author notes. It had me in tears halfway through it. Don
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This is a lovely tribute to people of true and raw courage. Those who lay down their life for the safety of others. Well written sir indeed.
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Thank you very much, Swan Song.
I can't tell you what these words mean to me. It's one of the most difficult poems I have ever written, considering the topic, but I'm so glad I got through it. I am thankful to every firefighter who continually charges into the face of danger, to save life, limb, and property. Don
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