Poetry for Memorial day. Grandson asked
Grandson asked
A Poem by Coyote Poetry
Would be a better world if we saw with the eyes of the children.
Memorial poetry
I stopped by the nearby location for the Memorial day celebration. There had a flag for every Soldier killed in the new wars. I took my grandsons with me. This time with each flag was a photo of each soldier and where he was killed.
I found my three friends I served with. I stood by one of my friend photo lost in Iraq and I wanted to fall down with sadness. A older man came up and tapped my shoulder and told me. This is a sad place. I’m a Vietnam Vet from Holly, Michigan. I wanted to show respect to my brothers lost to war. I told him. I have three good friends here and I had to visit them. He saw in my eyes great sadness and he told me. We must remember them. We must live for them and appreciate every day we are alive. My five year old grandson saw my sadness and he asked. Why are you sad Grandpa? I told him I have friends here. They were killed in war. His five year eyes got bigger and he asked. Why did they have to die in war? I looked at my missed friend face and I told him. I don’t know. I gave him a gentle tap on the head and told him. I wish I knew why?
The man from Holly, Michigan name was Glen. He told me he took medicine for agent orange. He showed me the punctures wounds on his hand. I asked him. Was he alright? He told me I’m alive and fighting still. Each new day is a blessing. My grandson asked Glen. Why are all these soldiers dead? His mind racing with new questions. Glen looked at the flags and told him. I don’t know.
Two soldiers from different wars trying to find peace and understanding with flags of heroes faces surrounding them. I did a silence prayer to the God of life and death. Please lord, please take care of my brother soldiers. Protect their families and please don’t allow them to be forgotten.
Coyote/John Castellenas
Excellent artistry, sir. Truly marvelous…
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Some questions have no answers. WW2 and WW1, we freed Europe. The new wars are hard to understand. Even for a old Soldier. Thank you for reading and the comment.
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John, thank you for your service and for your words. I’ve found that warriors from every war hold the friends they served with closest to their heart, but they will allow others, from battles not their own, to share that one common bond so difficult to put into words. Every war is different but the crucible that bond the brothers and sisters in arms is always the same. Thanks! -Daniel
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It all seems so very pointless, doesn’t it. So many young men and women killed – and for what ? Do you know the poetry of Wilfred Owen, the first world war poet. I think you will relate to it.
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I have read Wilfred Owen often. I have his poetry in the 100 greatest Poets book. I carry with me for 15 years in the Army. The World War One Poets left us with great sadness and truth. My favorite poem is “The tree” by Sergeant Joyce Kilmer.
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My favorite:
“Dulce et Decorum Est ”
Thank you for your service.
Cheers,
Lance
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You are welcome.
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Reblogged this on August MacGregor and commented:
A powerful poem for Memorial Day, from a soldier who writes seriously good poetry, wrapped in deep emotions.
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John, found you via Kanzen’s reblog and found many of my friends here – Tess, Kanzen, and Bill. Thank you for writing, sharing and taking your grandson to visit with your friends in their resting place.
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Thank you for reading. Our children and grandchildren need to learn too. The cost of freedom is costly.
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Yes. As is said, Freedom is not free.
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Moving poem. My heart is heavy though the words are true.
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Kids don’t lie. Poor Grandson couldn’t understand why men kill men for sake of war. Thank you for reading and the comment.
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😉
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John, I came to you via a reblog by Kanzen. This is a beautiful poem, it asks and answers the question and it shares the grief that many feel. But it also takes you to a place of respect, of dignity and of caring. Thank you for your service, your courage, and sharing it with your grandson. Take care, Bill
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Thank you Bill. Memorial day is hard for us old Soldiers. We remember good friends and laughter.
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I reblogged this. Thank you for posting.
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Thank you for re-posting. I wish we had the innocent of the children.
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I certainly wish we could regain it. My father served in Europe in WWII as a sharpshooter. You know what that entails. He rarely spoke about that war and when he did, he would always cry. I think in his last few years, he finally found some peace with it and regained some of that innocence he lost as a 16 year od volunteer who lied about his age. I miss him.
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There is a powerful book called “about face.” It is about a Retire Colonel and most awarded soldier. He joined to go to Korea at fifteen. He is a powerful anti-war man now. His story like your father. Couldn’t be forgotten. Thank you for reading and the comment.
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Happy to read and re-blog. I decided that instead of accepting or forwarding “awards”, I would use my time to read more and to comment more and to re-blog to show my appreciation for a posting. it was truly my honor to share this with those who follow my blog.
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Reblogged this on kanzen sakura and commented:
From a veteran for Memorial Day – John has an excellent site of poetry and musings. Please go visit – and thank him for his service to his country while you are there.
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