The American Soldier.

For Wing.

Elsie, Elsie, ring your bell,

bring here all the boys.

Summon back the ones who died

from where they were deployed.

Bandage up their arms and legs,

Take away their fears.

Erase the flashbacks in their minds

that always re-appear.

Tell them it was just a dream,

The bloody fields are dry.

Pretend you never heard of war

in case they wonder why.

Don't forget the oceans blue,

there you'll find our men ~

The ones who flew or sailed the ships

that never rose again. ~

When at last they've all come home

and no more tears are shed,

Elsie, they'll be no more taps,

ring your bell instead.

Author's Note

Written around 15 years ago. I was applauded by a veteran who tragically lost his life in a car accident two weeks after reading it.

"Second Lieutenant Elsie Ott was the first woman to receive the United States Air Medal. She was awarded this medal in recognition of her heroism in determining a way to evacuate the wounded from the front line." Wikipedia. I used her name as inspiration.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

A fitting tribute for Memorial Day. It was good when I read it two years ago and even better now. Very nicely composed and felt. We must never forget the sacrifice.

Chris

[Relic]

I appreciate your comment, Chris. Thank you. :)

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful and poignant. Tremendous work.

[Relic]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Thomas. :)

[John the Baptist]

Many years ago I was in an Army Reserve Unit. We were never called up, so I never had to face combat and the supreme sacrifice. Times changed and many reservists and National Guardsmen were sent overseas and into battle. Your poem is a nice tribute to them and all of the other Americans who answered the call and didn't come back.

[Relic]

I'm glad you liked it, John. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully conveyed dedication. A fine way to remember the lives lost, compose a poem for them. That is appreciation. Well done.

Chris

[Relic]

Thank you Chris. I try to feature this every Veterans day. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Good idea :)

[Poetic Beauty]

Many have lost their lives to war. This is a great dedication and way to get those to remember the lives lost.

[Relic]

Thanks so much, PB. :)

[Cherrie Palmer]

What a beautiful dedication.

[Relic]

Thanks very much, Cherrie. :)

[Chris]

I remember the pay raise that brought my pay up to 37 dollars a month... we were cheaper than the weapons they assigned.

Semper Fi one and all.

[Chris]

I remember the pay raise that brought my pay up to 37 dollars a month... we were cheaper than the weapons they assigned.

Semper Fi one and all.

[Relic]

Thanks for reading, Chris.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I am captivated by the conviction and emotions in your words.

[Relic]

Thanks very much for your thoughts, Cowboy.

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and worthwhile words shared my friend.
"Don't forget the oceans blue,
there you'll find our men ~
The ones who flew or sailed the ships
that never rose again. "
I like the poem. A ancient feel to the words. Thank you my friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Relic]

Thanks very much for reading, Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend.