It was like a pilgrimage:
Every year we went to Texas
After we moved out of state
While I was still a kid,
We always had to go to San Antone
to visit the Texan shrine - the Alamo
and learn of our great heritage.
I loved those trips to San Antone,
The guided tours, the museum;
every time we went, I learned
something new, something more...
And often when we'd return home,
Dad would put on the movie "The Alamo"
and my brother and I spent much of the
time memorizing the 'Ballad of the Alamo.'
How did it go? The beginning was:
"Back in 1836, Houston said to Travis:
'Get some volunteers and go fortify the Alamo.'"
And nothing brought it home to my heart
all the more so, than to see the ruins
of the Alamo, and the mission church.
To stroll along the Riverwalk at sunset
was more important than visiting
other historical missions.
I contemplated the struggle, the battle -
The ruins raked with bullet holes.
How did it end? "385 holding back 5,000;
5 days, 6 days, 8 days, 10 -
Travis held and held again."
But the Alamo fell on the thirteenth day,
and those that sacrificed their lives
"are asleep in the arms of the Lord,"
and legendary heroes to this day.
Gen. Houston had been given, by the men at the Alamo,
enough time to take his rag-tag recruits into battle
and defeat the Mexican general Santa Anna.
Oh yes, I know the story well.
And if I could truly sing well, as well as
I remember the history of Texas and my heritage,
I'd sing for you 'The Ballad of the Alamo.'
Author notes
For my dad and Granny Darlin' - I dedicate this poem.
"Remember the Alamo!"
In a list
- Thoughts and Messages • next in list
- Of Family and Myself • next in list
- Trophy Winners • next in list
A contest entry
- Round Contest - Round 1 - All are welcome by Florida Sunshine.
525 points, ended June 14, 2008, 29 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What do you think?
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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I have never been to visit the grounds of the Alamo nor have I ever ventured to texas but this sounds like a wonderful memory. Thank you for entering the contest and good luck.
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In my earlier comment I said that this was too prose-like. Given what I now understand about your intentions I suppose that is a little too quick a judgment. Ignoring that, this is otherwise a fine piece. Your attention to detail is rich and makes it easy for the reader to see the cause for your pride.
This is a small thing, but there was one sentence that stuck out as being a bit flat, if you will -
"To stroll along the Riverwalk at sunset
was more important than visiting
other historical missions."
I think it was the fact that you said 'other historical missions' rather than being specific, or something. Either way it just interrupted the good momentum you had going.
I know it's going to sound like an empty reversal but I do feel like I gave this far too little attention last time. I like the feel you've evoked - I have never been to Texas but it is the sort of poem that lets a person know something of what it's like. Good work.
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I have never been to texas.. i like the story and the history it contains.. great job..
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This is a finely written and deeply heartfelt piece of prose with highly inappropriate spacing. That is to say that while the fact that you hit 'enter' every few words does make this look like a poem, the fact that you failed to explore the newfound liberty that poetry grants (as opposed to prose) makes this seem much more like a journal entry or a sentimental column in a local newspaper than a poem. I have thus far been fairly tough on judging in that both message and mechanic have been considered. Your message is fine, of course. Your mechanics, however, are nonexistent, and so I'm afraid that at least for the purposes of this contest I can't offer it much. I see that it is entered in other competitions as well - best of luck in those.
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Who is going to forget after this fine dedication to our rich and sometimes forgotten history.
The sacrifices..
the family's...
to preserve our ways...
now it is threatened once again and our biggest enemy is a Texan.
Single handily destroying what great men and women died for...our reputation and standing in the world.
As an American i am ashamed of these last 8 years...he used the United States Army like the Mafia to take out and occupy Iraq..for his father...He has made Iran stronger...Yes a son of Texas.....a drug addicted alcoholic that cant even string two sentence together without fumbling or making a mistake has just about destroyed what great soldiers have died for..
Texas owes this country an apology...for creating this haunting shell of a human being and his pretentious cronies.....
Yea thats what Texas should do for sending their bloody eyed slurring enemy of America to us....now Texas wont have to remind people to remember the Alamo...
they will beg them to
to distract from the shame of the sons they set forth on the world.
Your poem has stirred me politically.
Nice Job and very cute picture lassie.
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I can't help what's happened,
what has come to past, and those that come from our state to make very big mistakes in the name of America; it's a pity people believe from one man that's what Texas is, but I understand that as Prez, Bush is 'First Citizen,' representing the US to the world, and I see the anguish of those who take pride in their nation and state who don't agree with him or like him. But I'm not politically inclined, as much as I used to be. So all I can say is what I've always said: to each their own insanity. -
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I am sorry lassie,
Im afraid i went over board...of course i do not blame others from Texas....i am blinded with bloody anger....a young boy just came home in a box in this neighborhood...and my out and out hatred for this man and everything he stands for is blinding...i almost went to nam...but i have never seen this country in such poor shape...George bushes mother was reported to say by the associated press...that the people of New Orleans were primarily black and that they are used to hardships...i can go on forever...but when i hear Texas i immediately think of him and the irreversible damage he has done.
Mainly I digressed from your lovely poem. and i lost it...it was not very mature or in my usual realm of studying poetry....its like that old vaudeville act of Niagara falls....just mention Texas or G.Bush and I lose it....lol ...there is no place on this site for such irresponsibility. Please except my apology...you know i love reading your poetry.
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aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, ~ and you totally surprised me. I open your poem expecting the 'wild wild west' and instead I get a modern day of family fun in the 'west.' You all were such cute kids. Since I assume your the little girl and not much over 5 I would be safe to assume your grown now.
This was truly an EXCELLENT dedication. I love reading poetry like this cause you know its real. Its not a prompt from some other person looking for something in particular. It's all you.
Thanks for entering the round countest ~ best of luck to you! Nice job. -
This is from Dad:
Thank you, Baby Girl!!!!
That one gave me a warm feeling and brought tears to my eyes.
Love & Prayers,
dad
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beautiful memories,
"remember the Alamo"
very beautifully written
God bless...
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Beautiful write here
Yes indeed yopu have had a rich life as a Texan and show the strength of the family as well . Keep up the good write here .
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