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.

[Pryde Foltz]

This got a painful reaction from me. We lose our humanity when we forget another's. Well-writ.

[Joyce S. Greene]

How true, Pryde. Thanks for your insightful review.

[Latifa]

a Purple Heart
and a student's spit
i love this part great one Joyce

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Latifa. Your nice words mean a lot to me.

[Angi]

Joyce, this little poet just screams! Very well done. I do not understand how someone could spit on a soldier. The are heroes who have served to protect their snaky little butts. Well done. Angi~

[Joyce S. Greene]

You're right, Angi. I appreciate your reading and reviewing my poem.

[Lydia Shutter]

It is a shame that men and women who put their lives on the line to protect their countries are treated this way if they are lucky enough to return from overseas. I remember the way the Vietnam Vets were treated....and it was abominable! Your words are powerful....you have a special talent for getting your point across in a concise write. Kudos to you. Lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Lydi. Baby Ricochet's post this morning really got me going. I appreciate your very supportive words. Have a great day!

[Lydia Shutter]

I will have to go read that one. Later**

[icelandicblue]

I am sorry that things like this happen. It's important to speak up. This is very powerful Joyce. On the whole I do think the nation's viewpoint has changed toward the people in the armed services since Vietnam but then when you read the hate mongering you realize it's still out there.

[Joyce S. Greene]

This morning I was sickened by BR's post and felt forced to speak up. There is still hate spewing form people's mouths, and it is impossible to change their minds. Hate and war - aren't they brothers? Thanks for your very supportive comments.

[Jack...]

What you described Joyce is so sad and revolting. Thankfully it has seemed to ebb some over the years, but the fact that it happened at all sickens me. Nicely done and this needs to be read by everyone.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Jack. As soon as I saw BR's recent post I knew I had to say something about it. Luckily, I didn't have to go to work early today (appointment this AM) so was able to immediately post this. I appreciate your supportive words.