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

[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!

[emmajoygreen]

Yet again, every word written above is a tribute, Dara, and - always will be.

[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!

[W. Barrett Munn]

I think it wonderful of you to commemorate those who sacrificed for us. I think you might also enjoy a poem by Wallace Stevens titled: Death of a Soldier.
Winston

[Dara]

Thank you so much. Yes, I will definitely want to read the poem by Stevens. My father was in the Navy a little over a year during WWII but it had a huge impact on him for the rest of his life.

[W. Barrett Munn]

War does that to you. I never really recovered from Vietnam although I was not in the services ever.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem for the old soldiers. Now I became one.
"Their weathered brows, furrowed
as they struggled hard to hear
the string of combat stories
going strong after all these years."
I did like the above lines. I do early to the Military holidays. I pay respect to the POW and I talk with the old timers. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Dara]

God bless you and thank you for your service then and now. We must forever keep them in our thoughts and prayers lest we forget their sacrifice. I only wish more people would act as you do. Thank you so much!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Dara and thank you.

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely poem about remembering, especially those soldiers who dies, who could have been comrades of of these elders...Stories of long ago, the war the losses.."tales of guns and roses"....now sitting in their rockers hard of hearing, drinking whatever and enjoying the camaraderie.
Nicely told Dara.
Best, B

[Dara]

Thank you very much. My dad would have been one of the men gathering. He was in the Navy for less than two years but the memories stayed with him for a lifetime. So nice to see you here. Take care!

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Dara!
Best, B