A Sergeant Joyce Kilmer poem and one of my poems.
(Sergeant Joyce Kilmer. Born December 6, 1886-died in battle july 30, 1918. My favorite poem. So beautiful and true.)
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives wuth rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
(Thank you Sergeant Joyce Kilmer for leaving such beautiful words for us to read. Great Poet need to be remembered.)
WAR, what it is good for?
(Edwin starr voice can’t never be equal)
NOTHING
Sitting on the Iraq border.
My division of soldiers is waiting for orders to move..
Old country boy talk of the Tennessee river.
He tells us I will be fishing all day soon.
I miss the green grass.
Ain’t a damn tree anywhere.
Old soldier wallet full of pictures.
He love to show you them.
He has a story for every photo.
I listen and don’t complain.
Some sort of peace when you talk of family.
The Chaplain is coming.
Soldiers gather together.
All religion is the same here.
We pray and listen to the Chaplain.
He always ask any requests for a song.
I request amazing grace always.
Soldier will defend their country.
Don’t complain too much about the war.
Just do what must be done.
Going home keeps the soldier hopeful and strong.
Nothing better then a letter from a wife and family member.
Death is a subject not discussed.
The sweet dream of home keep the soldier spirit strong.
Sure would be nice to see the forest in the spring.
Go fishing with old dad.
Coyote
Jan 2009
John – I’ve appreciated your words since I’ve been following you. This is one of your most powerful pieces.
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Thank you for the comment. We can learn from the great Poet’s from the past.
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I have adored Joyce Kilmer and his poem TREES for decades. And your poem is very touching, and true. I especially like: “Death is a subject not discussed.
The sweet dream of home keep the soldier spirit strong.”
Thank you for sharing. Peace be with you.
~Gina
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Thank you for the comment.Trees is a poem in a book I carry throughout my 15 years in the Army. A poetry book called the “One hundred and one famous poems. Over 100 soldiers read the book and it a prize in my collection.
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Oh, my! This is one of my favorite poems, too : ) I’ve read this poem a thousand times without ever getting tired of it. But I didn’t know he was a sergeant. That was new to me! “Nothing” was also very good, although sad too. I’m writing a story about an Iraqi war veteran. Some of your poems are really good as it gives me insight into a soldier’s life and feelings. Keep sharing, John!
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Sergeant Joyce Kilmer poem symbol what men and woman think of in war. To be home and to appreciate the simple things. Thank you for the comment.
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Joyce’s “Tree” is one of my favorites as well. What beautiful spirits our world has sent to war.
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Joyce and Lieut. John McCrae “In Flander field”. Their lost to the world of literature will never be known. WW1 killed many talented men. Thank you for the comment.
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She makes writing poetry look so easy. Beautiful words! Thank you.
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Joyce was a man name. Old times names were different. He was a talented poet. If you research the poets of WW1. Many were killed and left amazing poetry.
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Oh! sorry!? HE makes writing poetry look easy.
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I love the tree poem! Wow
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Sergeant Joyce Kilmer poem is consider one of the greats poems of writing. I agree with the experts. It is sad he was lost him in WW1. Thank you for the comment.
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Yes it is very sad.. It really seems he had a lot to contribute to the world.. And you’re welcome.
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Beautiful writing…you are invited to my blog if you should have a free moment.
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Thank you for the comment. I enjoyed your poetry and thoughts.
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Powerful post John!
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Thank you Cindy for the comment.
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Reblogged this on Sophia's Voice and commented:
Very nice – love these poems! 🙂
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Thank you for the comment. We can’t forget the great Poets and writers lost to the world wars.
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You are welcome, and I agree.
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