a student's spit

My poem is dedicated to all those soldiers who suffered and/or died for us in the line of duty. Thanks, BR, and all of you, who gave so much.

the soldier

walks across campus

on his uniform

a Purple Heart

and a student's spit

Author's Note

Some have called the incident I describe a myth, but my first husband, an Army captain at the time, lived the experience upon his return from Vietnam, so I call it a fact. The fact that this happened to even just one returning soldier is revolting. The fact that others still abuse soldiers for serving us all is horrendous. Fortunately, things seem to have improved a bit and soldiers are now thanked by many for what they did when they return. I pray that we never have to read another abusive poem of our men in uniform on this site again.

Publication credit: Ribbons: Tanka Society of America Journal Tanka Cafe Section
Feb. 2013

Reviews

[PANTHER811]

Having fought for the students right to spit, I find it gratifying you wrote of it. I am just as easily pleased at the reception Brown University gave to the war veteran and police commissioner Ray Kelly. The faces of these Americans should be posted from sea to shining sea, least we let them go unnoticed and denied their just rewards. God bless the first amendment, it saves me the time of ferreting them out. Tom

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks for your strong review and your service, Tom, both in the military and police force. You are one of those to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude.

[PANTHER811]

Thank you darlin, but, trust me...I've collected. May not have always gone the way I wanted, but as I write to you I've a smile on my face. Here's hoping you have a great week-end and this week's work place will be better than last. As for test results, if they were anyrthing but good you would have heard already. Relax, enjoy, think good thoughts.

[Rose of many colours]

Wow, You caught me off guard with this one. I pity the person who did it cause they are ignorant to the fact that soldiers die for them..and I am sad that the soldiers families suffer their absence so those families can live in comfort..

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Rose, for reading my poem and leaving your supportive review behind. I totally agree with what you have said.

[Rose of many colours]

God bless great writer. My heart bleeds for Soldiers who die in wars. I wonder if their lives are worth it..

[Joyce S. Greene]

I don't believe one person should ever die on a field of battle, but human nature being what it is, my belief is not enough to make it so. God bless you, too, Rose.

[Mark Heathcote]

Wow, a very strong twist in that last line throwing it on its head.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Mark. The returning Vietnam vets were not greeted with parades and thank you's like many are today. To this country's shame, many soldiers were vilified. I appreciate your reading my poem and leaving your thoughts behind.

[Anand Sehgal]

nobody understands the value of real contributors unless and until the contributions stops coming .

[Joyce S. Greene]

You're right about that, Anand. I was just thinking about the aftermath of 9/11 and how people rushed to join the military right after the disaster. Now they are rushing away from it. Too bad people have to suffer dire consequences before they take notice. I really appreciate your, as usual, very astute comments.

[Tom]

A very worthy tribute to all brave soldiers past and present and very fitting too, as we remember our fallen heros the world over on the 11th of this month !

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Tom. How tragic that some don't give those soldiers credit for what they have done for us all. It amazes me how soon some folks forget the devastation wrecked on our land on 9/11. At that time everyone wanted the military to act. How do they propose to avoid such incidents again if the military if not ready and willing to serve us all? I really appreciate your very supportive words. Yes, Veterans Day is coming up, and it is right that they have been given a holiday in honor of them all.

[Jeannear]

wow very moving joyce I like it.... and sad but it is a shame how cruel people can be

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Jeannear, for your very encouraging words. I appreciate your reading my words and lettting me know your thoughts.

[ron]

That is reminiscent of the soldiers coming back from Vet Nam.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Yes, Ron, that's the War I'm writing about. A very sad time to be young, for all of us. I appreicate your reading my poem and leaving your thoughts behind.

[ron]

Your are most welcome Joyce.

[Rita L. Sev]

Some people behave in such despicable ways. You may disagree with war, but never with the people who are willing to fight. This is a powerful poem, Joyce.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Rita, for your supportive review. It was a very bad war and the students' reaction to it was understandable but to take that discontent out on soldiers was just as bad. I appreciate your leaving your thoughts behind.

[wordman]

and my dear it still goes on today if you was in nam you are considered a baby killer
the enemy would stand behind women and children and fire on you good write

[Joyce S. Greene]

I understand it was a very dirty war, Ron. And I experienced the campus unrest during that period. Thanks for your thoughts, they are valued.