Rice patties of Vietnam
still vivid in their minds
nearly fifty years since they fought side by side,
one still carrying shrapnel in his leg,
his partner having lost the hearing
in his left ear.
Two veterans preparing
to give a speech
on Veteran’s day
at American Legion Hall,
words of retired mechanic and a hardware store owner
not the voices of eloquence,
but they are rich in valor and patriotism,
from having carried
the flag in their heart.
Remembering the one’s that didn’t return,
others who has passed away,
they’ll share the price of patriotism
fighting back the tears,
medals the memories they cherish
and endure in nights of hellish flashbacks,
for one special day
being allowed to share their story
with ears who understood
a soldier’s tale.
A contest entry
- Old Man Photo Prompt by OldBear34.
1000 points, ended December 16, 2008, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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This image so strong, powerful and ties the picture to the poem. The poem can stand on its own. The memories past shadows watched through a screened window, death just beyond reach to grasp comrade fallen. Explosive sound blare through the mind as M-16 fired on automatic clatter with a quick reload. Rest in company of others where the past become a dull sorrow. Their Spartan story shared in rememberance of youths price for freedom. The past is forgiven, but, never escaped in the twight of dawn to awaken in ready self-defense at the touch of loved ones from dreams left long ago while the face of first kill hides beyond this morning
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This takes such a different view to my entry LOL. Probably far clser to the truth in this picture. Such a good poem my friend. best of luck in the contest.
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A wonderful write you did here that I enjoyed! I wish you the best of luck in the contest
words of retired mechanic and a hardware store owner
not the voices of eloquence,
but they are rich in valor and patriotism,
from having carried
the flag in their heart.
-
I Like The Emotion
Second stanza, second line "give speech". I think an a beteen give and speech would be better. Third stanza, line one,drop the s on return. Very minor typos. Your rhythm and the emotional content are great.
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