He was just another soldier; A face in the crowd.
He wasn't outspoken; He didn't talk loud.
He told no one his troubles; His hardships or cares.
He never said much; Just a word here and there.
He liked to get letters from his mom and his dad.
He liked to think back to the good times he had.
He longed for the day when his family, he'd see;
He often imagined just how it would be.
He was never considered courageous or bold.
He just followed his orders and did what was told.
He was just another soldier; Nothing more.
He wore no bright medals for heroics in war.
He never made headlines; Never noted for fame.
I doubt if you knew him by face or by name.
When told of his death, his Mom and Dad cried,
but most, didn't know this young boy who died.
A life lived so briefly; A death, premature.
A family left grieving with tears to endure.
His memory will last for us soldiers who live--
He's a "Quiet Hero"--He gave all he could give!
** dedicated in memory of: Pfc. Hector Mendoza
Author notes
*pic. courtesy of Photobucket.com
*A Dedication to Pfc Hector Mendoza.
Hector was killed by sniper fire!
His death inspired me to write this composition,
as well as 'A Soldier's Thoughts'.
Also, the song entitled 'Time Passes On' was inspired by his death!
I saw him live--
I saw him die--
He was my friend!
I miss him!
In a list
A contest entry
- OPTIONS, PROMPTS AND TITLES by my1lovewearsdiapers.
600 points, ended March 4, 2008, 23 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Why so far away? by MalevolentDesire.
400 points, ended May 15, 2008, 27 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Hands Held High by writerbyaccident.
525 points, ended July 23, 2008, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - #124 Going for the gold. Again by daviscth.
300 points, ended August 25, 2008, 8 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Military Contest by misticmoonlite.
4900 points, ended April 16, 21 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 24 of 24
-
This is very touching and well honestly it is an excellent sign of homage and respect for such a fine young man who lived his daily life and make the ultimate sacrifice for us all.
I really must pay my respects to the troops this is very inspiring and deserving of all the respect it has gained on AP.
Thanks for sharing this.
-
oh my
this was so respectful, so loving and a very somber
piece to read,how can one say Thank You to someone who has passed in this manner,his family I say Thank You,to his friends I say I am sorry for your loss, but most of All I honor his memory along with you...
thank you for this entry, good luck in this contest
MM
-
good i liked it
-
This saddens me tremendously
Excellent Writing
-
Sad But So Real
I love this poem it is true war is hell and any time one of our troops dies it is a sad time for everyone not just the solders family and friends but a sad day for the world for some passesd that we could have gotten to know. I was in high school and I joined the navy it didn't work out, I joined for the wrong reason also I was aiming too high for the job I wanted, I wanted to be a NAVY SEAL but it was not ment to be. So I know about taking ordes without question.
-
This is truly worthy of many many golds!!! I couldn't think of another poem that deserves this gold more. thank you for writing and posting this one!!
Silverbutterfly
-
Oh wow!!! This is such a heartstopping poem!! Your imagery is awe aspiring. Thanks so much for posting in my contest.
-
Definitely a gold winner. I mean wow...talk about the harsh way of life. We know this is true too. But here we sit not doing anything. A great emotional write. I wish you luck.
~Kystal Angel
-
This is a great tribute to Mr. Mendoza, one, I'm sure he'd be proud of. My sister-in-law serves our country in the Air Force and is currently deployed to Afghanistan. My husband and I pray everyday for her safe return. I love the beautiful simplicity of this piece. Best of luck in Tabby's contest.
-
Awww this is tragic. It made me very proud of the sacrifice so many make for our country. At the same time....it made me weep for those lost. He made the boldest statement anyone could make when he gave his life.
-
May I say
That as I read this poem it brings me back to my youth. I'm a vet but because of personal family problems I never went to Nam. I did however know many guys that did and many that died. There was also some maimed by loosing legs and such. I have carried guilt for not going there but have spoken to many friends that did & only they can know the horrors of war. I respect you & those always. If you can would you please read my pem " A letter to a friend " under focus poems. For it is a dedication to a guy I grew up with. Yours is beautiful my friend
-
This is something that strikes deep in my heart, as I have many friends who are serving overseas, constantly in danger, but doing what they can to make this world a better place.
To lose someone as close as a fellow soldier would be like losing a family member. They're with you, through the worst of times, and you help each other pull through. You form bonds that people who haven't experienced a military life wouldn't understand.
This is a great tribute to such a great hero, and I hope that it brings to light the plight of so many of our quiet heroes.
Thank you for taking the time to enter, and I wish you luck.
-
it is the hero in the shadows most forgotten but doing the best none the less... very emotional and powerful...
-
he was one hell of a hero for a quiet hero. i am glad you have honored him so beautifully and so poetically. He was just another soldier; A face in the crowd. He wasn't outspoken; He didn't talk loud. He told no one his troubles; His hardships or cares. He never said much; Just a word here and there.
-
Speachless
That says it all -
i will not write a comment it is not my place he deserves so much more.. i will cry for him.
-
He was never considered courageous or bold.
He just followed his orders and did what was told.
He was just another soldier; Nothing more.
He wore no bright medals for heroics in war.
The quiet soldiers in my opnion are the most heroic. Thanks for the entry ~T~ -
Excellent
On a more serious note.
Oh my goodness.
This brings sadness to my heart.
This is such a wonderfully penned tribute to your friend.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend.
Just as long as you remember him in your heart, he'll never be forgotten.
Well done my friend.
Well done.
Best of luck to you.
Keep up with the great work.
Keep on penning.
Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful talents.
*S* Cynthia
-
very sad
what more can i say this is very well written keep up te great work
-
so
so many
sad that there is war
why cant all people see thats its only one world and we all have to live here
this brought real tears to my eyes
it is true and so emotional
-
What a beautiful tribute to your friend...you've described your memory of him with such clarity. It brought tears to my eyes as I sensed where this was leading toward the end...I'm truly sorry for your loss.
-
Touching and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing this with us.
-
This was indeed, a beautiful tribute to a brave soul. I felt as if it would have had more impact if written and broken down into four line stanza's . It has a strong rhythem and rhyme and was most pleasing to read out load. I shall enjoy reading more of your work. Bravo
-
This was so heart breaking,I am crying my eyes out.. For I cry every time I see another life pass within the wor. I know not who they are yet they gave all they could, may he rest in piece. beautiful dedication my friend...
Adding your comment:
1 - 24 of 24
