On Separation

The title says it all

On Separation

Is fate, that has long denied me thy arms, 

About to give me the pleasure of thy many charms. 

Doth not these pleasures too soon fade away from me. 

Oh when will the time come that together we will always be.

Each time we part, something inside me dies.

When will life give me the time when there will be no good-bye.

Is not this life apart from you death. 

Rather than this death, is it not better to be in my grave without breath. 

Death is the coward's way; the brave must face life. 

Must we long suffer heartaches, is there no end to this strife.

 My dear, I hope you can understand this, for nothing else can explain my mood. Tell me what you think about it...if you like it I might try to write more. 23, Mar. 1958 (note one back)

Author's Note

Capt., Thomas M. Bland, Sr, USMC
Dec.13, 1934- June 26, 1975

(BTW- she loved it so much she made a copy to carry with her. Hers is the pencil copy)

I have left his punctuation as it was.Will later add photos of his original.

Reviews

[Elan Vital 23]

The fate of the married professional soldier is a tough road to hoe. So many heart wrenching separations, so much time apart. That their marriage outlasted these hardships is a testament to their love's fidelity.

[JayceeC]

It's definitely a profession that tests the strength of a marriage. They were best friends, though, and that helped. Maybe not perfect, but definitely faithful and committed to ach other.

[jeannemarie coulter]

Each time we part, something inside me dies.
When will life give me the time when there will be no good-bye.
Is not this life apart from you death.
Rather than this death, is it not better to be in my grave without breath.

excellent writing by any standard...thank you...

[JayceeC]

Thanks Jeannemarie, I like his classical style, but this one is my fave.

[vido.]

Beautifully written. I'm at awe.

[JayceeC]

Thanks so much.

[Taylor]

He was the poet and her response added a silent stanza.

[JayceeC]

I never thought of it like that, but I guess it does. Her actions speak volumes.

[MsJewel]

Death is the coward's way; the brave must face life.
Must we long suffer heartaches, is there no end to this strife.

Oh my...you have touched my heart with this one. The love in this poem is overpowering.

Julie

[JayceeC]

This is my favorite. It is written knowing that this cycle of separation will repeat again and again, sometimes for a year and a half at a time. Sadly they never did get that time together. Death came first.

[....................]

Wow, what longing in words... to liken parting to something worse than death...this is what it is to truly love that each moment away is like dying; like nothing else matters... gorgeous writing...thanks, Jan, for sharing!

[JayceeC]

This is my favorite of the poems. It makes me wish I had mire memories of them together, but I was too young to pay attention. There was always a feel of great love in our house, though.

[....................]

that is something you take with you forever... we had it in my parents too... this house is still full of love even after they have gone... this is my favorite of the poems so far, as well.

[Coyote Poetry]

A very honest and powerful poem. The words told a true story.
"Death is the coward's way; the brave must face life.
Must we long suffer heartaches, is there no end to this strife."
The above lines are true for the soldier. Must fight death and hold on to some hope. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[JayceeC]

I think this concept of self-sacrifice is hard for many to understand, in this world of self-centeredness.
Thank you for your kind words.

[Coyote Poetry]

Your honor your father with sharing the poetry. The soldier life is a hard one.