Let The Dust Settle

Laced boots pony-up,
no gloss on the cherry red.
Dark clouds are overhead,
And blot out a smile.

L&M packed tight.
Army stamped zippo, gives light,
a slow exhale expels the night.
and the engine roars.

Wild heart speeds away.
As child within pursues the day
Hoping this time to stay.
But the road behind shrinks away.

Don’t go, you hear her plea,
With silent tears they both weep.

Reviews

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Cherrie, I love, love, loved your choice of imagery to show how war effects people when they leave!

[keith]

cherry red, laced boots, L&M smokes, Army stamped zippo takes me back
my 1st car was an F85 w/327 4 speed i left behind with my brothers
i smoked lucky strikes
and off to war did i go

brings back memories i had not thought for a long, long, long time
a very good read that i'm certain will find its way into many remembrances

[keith]

'off the bus maggots!'

[Cherrie Palmer]

Lol yes they did/do have a way with words. I come from a military family. I wouldn't have it any other way. Personally I did not enlist (thoughIwishIhad). I enrolled in the police academy instead (the good old days).

[Cherrie Palmer]

I remember the day my oldest brother left. Leaving me in the driveway.

[Cherrie Palmer]

My fist car was a Cutlass with 4barrels and a drinking problem. It got 12 miles per gallon. Unless you but your foot in it. Then we're talking 9.

[keith]

those days were just as bad as today is
seems we have always been at war or supporting those that were
comes with the territory of leading democracy

i got many a speeding ticket, incorrect start (laying rubber) and of course racing
i don't remember what the mpg was
but on friday night i'd fill er up (20 sumthin cents gal reg)
take my girl to the dairy queen for burgers & fries, cherry dr peppers, go to the walk in movie theater
and have change left over from a $5 bill ...
i was paid 75 cents hr ... but it was all good
we just didn't notice

i thank my fallen brothers in arms everyday
i survived ... no thanks needed, ever

[keith]

being a police officer was no joy ride either
the 60s and 70s were difficult times for this country
given a choice i would not go back in time
once around the block was enough!

[Patricia Wedel]

It was difficult for me when my first born grew up and worked to buy a Red Truck... he saved his Money and travelled across the States to visit friends in Colorado. Now my daughter has a Son who is traveling across the States. We are all Tumble Weeds as time goes on. gently, Pat

[Cherrie Palmer]

It's hard not worrying over them.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A very moving poem
Each line tells a scene
We just had our aust / Nz Anzac Day last Monday
Enjoyed your write
War is so unnecessary so futile

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you:)
Yes there is always a better choice. But sometimes it is thrusted on a nation. Freedom is painfully expensive.

[KAREN]

Very sad when one leaves to go to war. The poem is full of longing and emotions. Well done!

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you Karen 😊

[Cherrie Palmer]

It's a childhood memory of my brother leaving for Vietnam.

[KAREN]

You're welcome!

[duff]

My grandfather did three tours in Vietnam so this hit home. Especially "army stamped zippo".
I remember him smoking Lucky Strikes without the filter. I really like this.

[Cherrie Palmer]

My oldest brother did 2. And yes I should have made it lucky stripes. That is what came in the goody bags.
:) Thank you Duff

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It's not such a strange longing in the heart of a child to want to go where the older sibling goes. When my older brother went to Vietnam, I wanted to go too. Likewise, when the older kids roll out the driveway on their own, the younger siblings want to tag along. That's what this brought to mind for me. I enjoyed the read.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I was in kindergarten when my oldest brother drove away for Nam. I remember it like it was yesterday.
He did two tours( him and the next inline to go). Dark days filled with fear and sorrow.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

When I began wearing my Army field jacket to school I had to explain my brother bought it for me in the PX. Before long, lots of the kids were wearing Army stuff. I went to the airport with mom and dad to see him off when he left. He came home though, many did not. We celebrated Easter at his house. He was a combat medic.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Amazing and very cool.

[Chris Shaw]

The call of the road. This played out visually like a movie Cherrie. Someone is going to be missed. Nicely composed.

Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

My first thought was of Mt older brother who came home on furlough from training. But many storyline would work.

[William Michael Reeves]

Took me a sec to remember L&M's were cigarettes. Your poem made me think of a David Lynch movie. 'Wild at Heart'. Don't turn away from love the good witch said. Do they speed off in a Charger?

[Cherrie Palmer]

No thus pony was Mustang. :)

[William Michael Reeves]

You're into your muscle cars. I had a '68 Firebird 400 Deluxe when I was a young'un. Kick myself now. Darn thing is worth 70 thousand!

[Cherrie Palmer]

Yes I had cutlass supreme with 4 barrels and grease lightning

[JE Falcon]

"Windows down and radio high." --- With expectations to touch the sky! --- Good, fun, poem, and have a time!

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you 😊