And in this time
men talk of harmony,
yet history's pages
see wisdom still closed.
We remember their sacrifice
while shunning war at any cost,
mouthing lessons learned
while gunfire prevails.
The heroes left behind
still not forgotten
as the children march
to the haunting Last Post.
Their deaths are never forgotten
as we walk proudly for peace,
wearing what they have left behind
in shining rememberance.
Forever in sacred trust
a place in our hearts,
surrendering the ultimate
for future generations.
Through their pain and suffering
they have earned a place in serenity's sanctuary,
walking through tranquility's gate
in forever repose.
As we grasp the baton
still riddled with mistrust,
with bullets of unity
time to forfeit pride.
Author notes
A bit over the place, sorry , but while we respect and remember what our forces have sacrificed in many wars and we all talk of peace, wars are becoming more frequent. Makes me wonder how far we have advanced and learned.
Remember Them
If you are able,
save for them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
This link will tell you more about this warrior-poet
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/o/o021.htm
In a list
A contest entry
- O is for O'Donnell - Capt. Michael D. O'Donnell KIA Cambodia 24 March 1970 by just mercedes.
900 points, ended May 10, 2008, 6 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
-
Thank you for your passionate entry to the contest. I think most people wonder why, when we work so hard for peace, there are more and more wars being fought. Young men such as Michael O'Donnell make their unselfish sacrifices and I am glad to see that they are valued and appreciated. I like to think that he is indeed in /serenity's sanctuary/
-
oh wow... This is wonderful... I really love how you wrote this one. Passionately written... Vivid... Descriptions...
This is just a brilliant piece...
Best of luck in your contest --
this is amazing
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