Once They Were Soldiers

"Greater love hath no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13

The conversation was lively

and smoke filled the air.

The coffee pots were empty

but no one seemed to care.

Their weathered brows, furrowed

as they struggled hard to hear

the string of combat stories

going strong after all these years.

The tales of guns and roses

 filling hearts with certain yearning

to visit  far off places

and recapture campfires burning.

Paying tribute to the ones who died

long buried but not forgotten

eyes welling up with salty tears

they raise their hands to salute them.

Those gallant, elderly gentlemen

now silver haired and getting older

reminiscing about days gone by

were once American soldiers.

 

 

Author's Note

This is a poem I wrote a few years ago. I added the 4th stanza to commemorate Memorial Day.

Reviews

[willweb]

A beautiful and heart-warming tribute to some true American heroes.

[Dara]

Sorry, my comment was in the wrong place before:

Their numbers are dwindling, sadly, but their heroic acts will never be forgotten. Thank for your kind review!

[Franky]

This is inspiring and shows wonderful appreciation. Thank you for these sweet words.

[Dara]

Thank you so much! It’s a small gesture for such huge sacrifices. Praying for troops in present time and their families who also sacrifice so much.

[Ken Simm.]

And if I may say so not just American soldiers. What a beautiful tribute that brought a lump to my throat.
Wonderfully structured and ablaze with what is right.

[Dara]

Thank you this touching review. Yes, I can see soldiers from around the world reminiscing in groups reliving it all. My brother-in- law was in Viet Nam, a different war all together but my admiration for him abounds just the same. It’s great to see you here. Take care!

[emmajoygreen]

This really is a tribute that should be used year in year out, if not more often. Your phrases are well metered but even in that poetic state, read sincere and resoectful. Many thanks for reminding and sharing, Dara.
Keep safe and take care.

An extra hello and thank you for setting down such a fine and heartfelt poem, Dara. Hugs.

[Dara]

Hello Emma! So nice to see you again. Your words and presence made my day. I am glad you liked my tribute. It’s the least we can do for those who gave it their all. Take care my friend!

[Lisasview]

Now who would not love your poem dear Dana...
Thank you so much for sharing,
Lisa, now in Spain..but from California

[Dara]

And thank you for taking the time to read it. I wrote it with my father in mind who went for such a coffee every morning until he could no longer drive. Take care!

[Lisasview]

Such an issue for those who can no longer drive...
I feel for them.
Lisa

[roniO]

Thank you and thank them. Love your poem.

[Dara]

Thank you! It’s good of you to stop by. Yes, we can not thank them enough. The sacrifice is immeasurable.

[Miss Sharon]

Beautifully written Dara. May we always choose to remember. ~Sharon

[Dara]

Yes, the sacrifices they have made as well as their families can never be repaid. Thank you for reading my poem and giving our Veterans the admiration they so deserve.

[Relic]

Every memorial day I used to feature my poem - The American Soldier.
https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/HouseofRelics/2165652/ (no need to review)

I find it a shame that more people don't - or have not - reviewed this. But I guess, like me, they just weren't aware of it. And yet, I see so few people at memorial day parades lately.

Yesterday, I watched a documentary on the Korean war. I've also watched other docs on WW2. To hear of what they went through scares me. So much death and learning to kill in return with no remorse. But that's what war does to a man. But I'll always hold those you speak of in high regard. They are, after all, our heroes and suffered and served greatly for their country.

Before my father died this time last year, we thought a good friend of his died being we didn't hear from him anymore. As it turned out, he died just recently at age 95. A year after my father. His name was Wally and he served in the war.

You've done a great job in writing this, Dara. I enjoyed. :)

100/100

[Dara]

First of all I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My mother died two years ago at age 94. She lived a full life but it still very hard to let them go. I believe your father’s friend Wally may have been one of the last WW11 veterans. My father was in the Navy back then. He lived to be 89 years old. He often talked about his experiences and was very proud of them. The memories stayed with him for a lifetime. War is a terrible thing but like you, I have an awesome respect for those men and women willing to put their lives on the line for their country.
Thank you for stopping by. It is a true delight to see your thoughts and impressions. Take care!

[Ken e Bujold]

This poem is a gem. Brings back so many memories of sitting, listening to my grandfather recounting his time in WWII. You capture the moment so pitch perfectly Dara

[Dara]

Thank you so much. I often witnessed my father chatting with fellow veterans over coffee. He spent less than a year in the Navy during WW11 but the memories stayed with him for a lifetime.

[Ken e Bujold]

same here for my grandfather, and uncles, and a few aunts as well i mustn't forget

[Dara]

They sound like very brave, dedicated people. Actually it was just about two years for my dad but he talked about it his entire life.

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a heartfelt tribute to Veterans of American wars. We should really respect them and treat them better than the way they are now treated. We must thank them for all they sacrificed for us. Flawless rhythm and rhyme, Dara. I liked it. Lydi**

[Dara]

We are indebted to them. Thank you. It’s wonderful to see your review again. Take care!