Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Portrait of Words Entry 5 A Poem...The Flowers

The Flowers

How I thank you for the tribute that you have laid upon my grave site
how I wonder what my life would have been if I had lived
the full measure of a man that God Himself had surely promised
had not war cut me down denying me that simple gift

How I thank you for the honor of your military bearing
of a coffin filled with promises that will never be attained
Soldier Brothers sharply turned out, buglers sounding smartly
family looking stunned their faces show the strain

How I thank you for remembering all the fallen, all the heroes
including me when looking back at the bitter past
just remember what was promised when we left this earth unwilling
let this generation of young soldiers be the last




Portrait of Words, as presented by Jeff, at A Word In Edgewise is in its fifth installment. I'd like to thank Dr. John for the use of the photographs for this months offering. We hope that you will all join us and entertain us with your work. If you'll go to his website, Jeff has all the rules laid out on his sidebar. Enjoy.

37 comments:

Roan said...

Excellent. Point made.

Lee said...

Lovely poem, Sandi! I really like the sentiments too.

Hugs!
Lee

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Hi Sandi,
Very beautiful words and an absolutely beautiful rememberance!
Big Hug,
Donnie X

Jeff B said...

I think this is the first poem that we've had for this writing challenge.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

I share your desire that this generation be the last that knows of war and suffering.

Tara said...

Sandi

So touching...also the story about your good friend going through a tough guy crisis...how wonderful to know she has you--pulling the boots one as you scramble out the door---all you can do is listen which is a helpless feeling but all she needs, I am sure.

Love can be a stinker!

Deb said...

Very Creative use of these photos - I never would have thought to do a poem - and a well-written poem at that!

Maggie May said...

This was a totally different slant on the monthly challenge and was beautifully put together.
A good tribute. Lovely poem.

Anonymous said...

I would join my prayers with yours that the last sentence comes true!

SandyCarlson said...

Indeed, Sandi. You have a great gift for bringing dignity and insight to this subject.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

One dead soldier is one too many. I hope the sanctity of life and the preservation of each one is upheld by all of our governments. Life is simply too cheap to many of our world leaders until someone of their own is taken, then it becomes a crusade to have world peace. Too little too late too often when they should have had that attitude when they were gifted the power of office to do something about it.

A very touching poetic eulogy to our fallen.

♥ Braja said...

Hey missy, nice to meet you and thanks for stopping by...but I have no idea about the Post of the Day thing you mentioned. What was that?

Denise said...

Great poem.......has a ring of much sadness in it........ War.. it is not glamorous It is war.... lives full of dreams are lost...

Tessa said...

So eloquent, so vivid and poignant, Sandi. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our children's children have to ask the question, "What was war, Mummy?"

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Lovely poem Sandi - and a very different POW. I too echo the sentiments of putting an end to war. A x

Salute said...

very beautiful poem.

Carver said...

That was a beautiful poem and photographs.

Pam said...

Whata lovely poem Sandi!

Aunt Julie said...

Wonderful. I shared some of myself yesterday.

cheshire wife said...

Really well done Sandi!

Akelamalu said...

That was wonderful Sandi!

LZ Blogger said...

Sandy ~ Somber words! Also... I just wanted to say thanks for your nice comments on my last blog post. I cracked up as I read "...did 30 years...now he's doing time with me." Now that's funny! Thank him for his (and your) service to our country! ~ jb///

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, dear sweet Sandi, thanks for coming by. As for the time thing, I totally understand. I cannot keep up with all of you who come to see me. Just not possible. So, I hope you are doing well & I always enjoy seeing your smiling face pop over!

Jamie Dawn said...

God bless the families of all those dear soldiers who've given their lives in service to our nation.

ConverseMomma said...

Wow. I have an uncle who may be heading off to war soon. Reading this today moved me to tears.

Millennium Housewife said...

How beautiful,just wanted to thank you for your gorgeous and extremely flattering comments over at my place, I'm going to show it to Husband later to prove at least soneone finds me funny....Thanks for stopping by it means a lot MH

heidi said...

That's quite a poem rich with emotion.

Thanks for visiting me. My MC's don't like to be held. They get really squirmy but they love the attention and have an insatiable desire to be pet/scratched. They do find their way to my bed each morning though to sleep on my hip and feet....LOL. People have been known to steal cats from my neighborhood so we keep these guys indoors.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

This is so beautiful and so very true!!!! I wish you a happy weekend. I read the other post about your friend and I am praying for her. When we hurt so deeply our friends are what gets us through. I know she will make it because she has you in her life....Mary

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Beautiful poem Sandi. Really appreciate what you said on my blog :) Hugs Hxx

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Lovely Ms. Sandi!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Sandy

Justabeachkat said...

What a beautiful emotional piece.

Hugs!
Kat

(BTW...how's Good Sister?)

Theresa said...

Hi Sandi,
Sorry for not visiting lately. I like the new header.

The poem was lovely and what a great rememberance to all that serve there countries in the name of freedom.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Sandi...I echo those sentiments, so poignant.

I wish someone would explain to me about the link thingey. I see I am on there but I don't know how. Love the kitty pics. did you see my pink one yesterday?

Sweetie said...

Sandi, Your poem is so poignant. Your words tell a story of the reality about which we all need to consider.
Hugs,
Sweetie

Sally said...

Sandi, you have a gift for reminding us of the important things in life. Thank you for sharing. ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Amazing post, Sandi!!

Aunt Julie said...

Wonderful. Thoughtful. Poignant. Thanks!

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi lovely poem and nicely dressed with photographs. Thanks for sharing. Anna :)