Letters from Vietnam

 

Letters from Vietnam





Letters he wrote from Vietnam

were tied with a fanciful bow,
lying in wait

at the bottom of a dresser drawer,
beneath mahogany scents
of winter clothes,
and sepia toned afternoons.

White embossed envelopes

now yellowed,
mailed to a hometown he long remembered,
to a mother who had lost a husband

years before, to another war.

 

A last embrace she still recalls

looking through the mesh of a screen door,

as he waved goodbye...

 

 

Now she stands

at this garden of stone,

saluting her sergeant of twenty-one...

a freckled boy hardly grown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

I wrote this a couple of years ago to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to war...and to all those who love them.

Reviews

[SmittyJas]

I solute all who ever served and now are serving they have many things like bravery and honor and a place in heaven they march as christian soldiers and war is their occupation on their purpose in life. Family is First and Foremost on their minds as they serve in the battle fields of the world today.

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

You wrote it as if you lived it, as if you were in every person's shoes who has been touched by war at one time.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wanted to honor those who have served, and those who have lost...thank you for the compassion of your heart, Nadia!

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem need to be read. Artwork and words. Honored those who never came home and the people left behind to try to understand. Thank you Kelly for your amazing poetry. You need to have a book of poetry and story to be published.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm doing my best to bring that to its fruition, John...so kind of you to say! Thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Terry Collett]

There are those who gave their lives and the lose who lost them via the loss. Good poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I have a family member who served every branch of the service there is! Thank you for the kindness of your words.

[J. K. Beach]

What a fine tribute to soldiers loved and lost to soon to wars and wars and wars. This is such a soft and gentle piece for such a horrible thing as a young life cut short by war... the contrast is almost startling! You have a deft poetic touch! I love the ending... "Now she stands/at this garden of stone,/saluting a sergeant of twenty-one.../a freckled boy hardly grown." Just lovely!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your every word means so much to me...if you only knew! Thank you, Jeff. I truly appreciate it!

[Einstein Noodle]

God bless you Kelly Scheppers .. i am a Vietnam Era vet. and your poem moves me beyond words .. thank you for this appreciation of all our veterans who have stood the gates .. the last three lines of the first verse are exquisite to me .. you set the mood and tone brilliantly .. very fine poem for me!!!
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am truly touched by your review, knowing it touched a part of you, as well! Thank you!

[Lydia Shutter]

I remember reading this in the past.....and I remember how much it moved me. Your words are heartfelt and filled with compassion for the mother and son. You honor them both! Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's a compliment to me that you remember this, Lydi. Thank you for a most endearing review!

[Debra]

Your poem brought tears to my eyes.
Such a sacrifice they made.
Written so perfectly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Deb, it's wonderful seeing your avatar when I log in...thank you so much for making my day!

[Debra]

Aww, you are too kind.
I feel the same way.

[dan]

Kelly, This is a touching tribute to war widows and the specter of loss that surrounds each service member's ultimate sacrifice. Using "this garden of stone" to describe a cemetery is very powerful, commensurate with the power of the loss. As a veteran myself it is gratifying to read this remarkable write. Thank you for sharing it with us. take care...dan

[Kelly Scheppers]

I was hoping to catch the eye of some veterans here, for they were truly the inspiration behind this piece. I am overwhelmed by your review, Dan. Thank you.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Oh sad beauty.........oh sad beauty. A tear I weep, I weep for thee.

Take me to my soul in days of old let me linger by the dead, the men braver than me, let me linger longer that I may cry for thee.

Thank you so much Kelky!

Regards,

Al

[Kelly Scheppers]

I know this one touches you deeply, Alfred...thank you for such profound words!