“In Memory Of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Okla. …”

Master Sergeant Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Oklahoma

“In Memory Of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Okla. …”

 

There comes a time when each must choose

To walk your talk

To stand up, face yourself and BE who you are,

how you are,

and what you are.

And sometimes the actual cost is all you have.

 

Sergeant Wheeler ran toward the gunfire

Not to take life but to save it from being taken.

He stood up because it’s what we do.

what we all do and did - when our own turns

came up - and in our times men and women

needed to stand, face our souls and move toward

not away...

 

"I hear the pipes a’calling

the shades of memories to home,

people ever in the hearts

of we who toast the missing…"

"I hear the pipes a’calling

and feel the shadows gather round

as friends whisper through the years

And touch tomorrows now."

"I hear the pipes a’calling

and they will call for us all -

and the memories of who we are

await the toasts as we stood

for tomorrow after all."

 

Thank you MSgt. Wheeler, US Army...

You gave all you had

that others might have tomorrows…

Semper Fi and you are being toasted.

It's what we do for missing ...friends.

 

Chris

Author's Note

feel the breath you share with the world...

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a wonderful piece. The best about it is its simplicity. It is real, not filled with hyperbole, and pomp and circumstance. One would be honoured to be memorialized in such a loving and personal way.

[Valentine]

This gave me the chills. My husband was a second cousin to Sgt. Alvin C. York the World War 1 hero they made the movie after. Also my brothers and husband served. We need to thank all of them more. Thank you Chris for this write. Valentine

[Chris]

Thank you for coming by Kathie

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you for this fine tribute to a very brave and worthy man ... sitting at home now in my little computer space ... i am safe because of all our brave soldiers ... at home and abroad ... an example i can take with me through my day is to swallow fear and stand for what is true ... no matter the cost ... i am ashamed for the times i "let things slide" for the sake of convenience and comfort ... perhaps in some small way today i will have the opportunity to take his example home ... love your write ...
E.

[Chris]

Good of you to stop by E...

[olla]

it is hard for me to really share what is in my heart.. I get all mushy.. it is what we need the real poets for.. to say those things that we are too mushy to say...

[Chris]

I'll have to remember that... Thanks for pausing and understanding.

[emmajoy]

'.. as friends whisper through the years .. .. and touch tomorrows now."

You have a way of holding the past and its heroes (and all) in a gentle hug. You never over-do the passion in honouring this or that person, this or that action. And, in that, you express such sincere and heartfelt admiration of men like your MSgt Wheeler. Wish i could have heard you read your wonderful words, Chris.

(Might you somehow record your writings for distant Cafe friends, Chris?)

[Chris]

After the broadcast archive file is posted (usually a few days after each show) I WILL include a link - as I have for other times. Thanks Em, perhaps I should do a Soundcloud file or a YouTube presentation as a few others have provided - I'll give it some thought. Glad you came by.

[emmajoy]

Consider please, when you have time. I've tried the link in the past but sorry, not your fault, it's as if i live on the moon.

[Chris]

I understand. Normally my links are only to the show's broadcast file but I do try to say what the time mark within that particular file is. I really should create my own sound files - "Ve haf the technology! Ve CAN DO THIS!!" - chuckling here

[emmajoy]

VE HAF?! jOKING IST DER MANN HIER - or something! You make me chuckle too.. need that on a wet, chilly morning.. I must get out of here

Never mind the programme for now: must repeat, your post is very special.. thank you so much for sharing it.

[Chris]

I'm a "talking" kinda guy - what you "hear" is how I write... it IS wet and chill here as well and smiles are a good way to carry us into our nows.

[emmajoy]

True! And now i must curl into the windy wind, then, be carried back into my 3D world.. again. Take care, please very much. Gone!.

[JayceeC]

Heard you read this tonight. It is a powerful poem with a sense of honor and sadness for those who truly give their all. Beautiful tribute poem Chris, as well as a beautiful read.

[Chris]

I thought I "saw" you there at "World Poetry Open Mic". After they put the broadcast archive file up I'll link to it. Thank you for listening and coming back to hear again.

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and good words my friend. Old soldiers are not forgotten if we leave their memory to paper and pen.
Coyote

[Chris]

Thanks John... you said it all

[Coyote Poetry]

I keep many good friends alive in my words. We must and you are welcome.

[wordman]

a true hero no doubt,and a beautiful tribute

[Chris]

Thanks for pausing and understanding...

[wordman]

x army my friend