Memorial Day

[rem]

I realize that your Memorial Day was yesterday. Our's is in November. Same idea. A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a young soldier in a military hospital who had been badly injured, both physically and emotionally. As she described him to me, a picture formed in my mind. She asked if I would write to him. I did. He didn't respond but that was fine. I'm not even sure he could. But a little while later, I wrote a poem. For him. I never sent it to him as I didn't feel it was good enough. How could it be? But I'd like to share it with you. I hope this is appropriate. I have the greatest respect for the men and women of our respective militaries. I hope you all had a most enjoyable day yesterday. R






FOR KEVIN

The first time I saw him, I turned away - then looked again
My mind would not embrace this picture etched into my brain
A body broken from a massive force beyond compare
I could not imagine how he felt, I wouldn’t even dare

I saw a body being healed, a framework in repair
And while I knew that it was rude, I couldn’t help but stare
Then suddenly I saw much more, through bandage and debris
This second time I held my gaze, and willed my eyes to see

I saw a young man back from war, a soldier from the fray
Embattled from a battle being staged so far away
I recognized him instantly, though so far from the field
I would recognize a warrior even without sword and shield

I perceived a presence from this man, an aura filled with pride
And compassion for those comrades who had died right by his side
A badly broken spirit that was waiting to rebuild
A spirit of such might it caused my own to be fulfilled

My eyes saw farther inward, past the body’s frail facade
His soul made from a mold made by the awesome hand of God
This noblest of noblemen, with character unique
So humbled by his presence that I had no words to speak

The honor he brings to himself, and the honor he is due
May not be all he needs to start to make himself anew
But if honor due was made into a magic healing power
This magnificent young soldier would be healed within the hour

This exemplar of humanity has put us all to shame
His service and his courage were not offered up for fame
My wish is that they make him whole, and that I might be half the man
It would be so grand to see him stand, and let me shake his hand

 

[Venture]

Beautiful Rem. That's going on the front page for next year's Memorial Day. With your permission, of course.

Heck, I could put it up for the Canadian Memorial day if you'd like. We're a multinational forum!

 

[rem]

Honored, Venture. Totally honored. Please use it any way you wish. And thank you. R

 

[eemsreno]

Rem
That was brilliant! I hope you get nationally recognized for your outstanding poetry.

 

[Combo]

Not bad, not bad at all.

Thanks rem!

I am sending this to the commander of the American Legion Post 291.

 

[Jakeboy]

Thanks, rem. That is a poem written by a man that understands the sacrifices made by our brave military vets.

I'm going to send this out to a few friends, if you're OK with that?

You'll get tagged as the author: "rem" from yamahasupertenere.com.

You're #1 in my book, rem! May God Bless You.

 

[rem]

Jeeze, you guys. This is kind of embarrassing. Thanks to all of you for your kind words. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, and in particular I am glad that I was able to convey the sentiment that I had hoped to. Sometimes other people read the stuff you write differently than it was intended.


Anyway, final word is that any of you may use this little poem in any way you wish. If it means something to someone, then mission accomplished. Please don't worry about acknowledging me as author. I'm not concerned about that. Thank you all for your comments. I'm very humbled and honored.


I just went for a little ride. It's 26 degrees here. Awesome, dude. That's like 80 or so to you non-conforming types. R

 

[colorider]

Awesome Rem!!!! I could almost picture a young soldier/sailor/airman laying in a military hospital bed as I read your poem.

Beautiful!!! It REALLY does belong on our Home Page for our respective Memorial Days.

Thank you!

 

[Twitch]

Nice job rem.

 

[pqsqac]

Rem these are powerful words that you have put down on paper and I thank you. Very powerful.