Tabatha at The Opposite of Indifference asked others to contribute a poem to commemorate 100 Thousand Poets for change, which officially occurs on Sept. 29th. It's a world-wide gathering of poets for social, environmental and political change. My poem comes from both loss of loved ones to war and pride in those who fought (fight) for us. It is with mixed feelings that I write.
Fading
Whose
mother cries for them, what wife sighs for them?
Now,
offer prayers to the children who yearn for them.
And
what of the soldiers who think of their homes;
they
sigh as they dream, through the memories roam.
Peaceful
for those times they’re able to rest
before
going on duty, and put to the test.
They
feel warmth and kinship for family afar
keep
photos in pockets, sugar in a jar.
And
at home, the mothers, and children and wives,
are
working so hard to carry on with their lives.
They're keeping the futures wrapped close for the making
for
one day when finally war memories are fading.
photo credit: The U.S. Army via photopin cc
They're keeping the futures wrapped close for the making
ReplyDeletefor one day when finally war memories are fading.
These lines are especially haunting, Linda - such a lovely poem, evocative of loss, love and hope. And that first stanza - that made me tear up. Thank you for paying attention to our men and women in the service - and for calling our attention to them with this beautiful poem.
Thanks, Tara. It is something I very much want to "change".
DeleteThank you, Linda, for sharing this poem straight from your heart. It's always a good time to draw attention to those who serve.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Tabatha. I agree that we should pay attention!
Delete"They feel warmth and kinship for family afar
ReplyDeletekeep photos in pockets, sugar in a jar."
today while I was sitting in the teacher's lounge I heard a colleague speaking to another colleague about her son in the service and that he's having a tough time. She's sending him packages, candy anything she can think of to remind him they are there, thinking of him everyday. These lines struck me and remind me of the hardship the whole family feels when a loved one is overseas. What a beautiful and powerful poem.
Thank you Betsy. We are all affected, whether there are those close to us or not so much, they are doing our tough jobs. We need to give a care!
DeleteOh yes, the mixed feelings. Expressed so beautifully in your poem, Linda. I'm grateful we have a First Lady who actively supports military families.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jama. I'm grateful too.
DeleteThis can't have been an easy poem to write but you've expressed so much emotion through your uncomplicated and far-reaching verse. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marjorie.
DeleteWhat a wonderful moving poem, Linda. I love this line: "keep photos in pockets, sugar in a jar."
ReplyDeleteI hope those war memories fade. I have heard disturbing stories of men who can't leave that time behind.
Thank you Violet. Our current 'war' has gone on very long. I am hopeful that it will soon end.
DeletePowerful. That first stanza could stand alone.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee. It is something we all should remember.
DeleteBeautiful, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth. There is sorrow in many places in our world through war.
Delete"Sugar in a jar" is the image that touches me. It's symbolic of having to keep sweetness held in, apart.
ReplyDeleteThanks for supporting 100 TPC, Linda! This is my second year hosting an event for 100 TPC at the Baltimore Book Festival. I love stopping by the website to see videos and photos of poetry events happening all over the world.
Thanks Laura. I'll be sure to check out the website today. It's exciting to think that so many are participating everywhere.
DeleteLinda, you did a beautiful job with this poem. I love how you acknowledge the difficulty of being the ones at home, waiting. SO TOUGH, all of it. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Irene. I'm glad you liked it. I hope you had a nice week.
DeleteTouched my heart today, Linda. I have a very good friend who's in the European elite forces and now based in Afghanistan. Always tough to be away from loved ones - and to lose one's self in the process. Will be sharing this with him. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for him Myra, for his family and for you too. It just seems to be endless, doesn't it? Thanks for telling me.
Delete