Last Summer

In honor of those soldiers leaving home who do not make it back again.

I watch alone as the sun sets slowly
 behind the tall sulky pines,
wishing wistfully again
that you were here
holding your hand in mine.

Memories of last summer strolling
beneath a hazy moon,
gazing up at the stars
capturing fireflies in jars
singing our old favorite tunes.

I can still picture that look on your face
as your ship pulled away,
never really knowing
but always and ever hoping
you'd come home again one day.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

Melancholy. That's the word for this. But you can't ever really be sad unless you had something to be glad about. That's the greatest gift our loved ones leave us in the very end... something to be sad about.

[Dara]

I think that is an excellent way to look at it, the gift to be sad, maybe a poem in there somewhere.... You are a very deep thinker!

[Gee]

This would be many a mothers poem, beautiful in a most sad way.

[Dara]

Yes, most definitely would be. I hate to think how many mothers still go through it. To bring a child into the world only to lose them on a battlefield somewhere..... The sacrifice would be unimaginable. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.

[Gee]

So relevant with what's happening in the Ukraine.
A 2nd visit to a well written poem

[Relic]

I recall my late mother describing a friend who went off to war and never came back. Despite such unity in the second world war the loss of so many I'm sure was something that would never be forgotten. (Or for any war when men are lost).

Good writing Dara.

[Dara]

Many many thanks for taking the time to read and review my poem. Sadly many do come back but minus a limb or stricken by PTSD. If only there was a way to avoid war altogether. I wonder if it is even possible?
It is great to see you! Your words of wisdom are always such a welcome sight.

[Einstein Noodle]

so nice to read your latest Dara! your natural classy way with rhythm and rhyme is delightful to read .. i'm glad for your note about the dedication .. your poem in closing leaves it up to me, the reader to decide .. which covers both our soldiers lost and those who survive .. but i am left feeling the weight of loss that war incurs ... :(( thank you for sharing your beautiful poetry

[Dara]

And it is so nice to see you again and your encouraging insightful words! Often it is difficult to find the right thing to say about war and to imagine what it is like to lose someone you love. If only we could always feel that the loss was not in vain. Yes, the weight of it will drag you to your knees. I hope you are doing well my friend. Have a very blessed day :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

right back at ya Dara!

[emmajoy]

' I can still picture that look on your face .. as your ship pulled away,.. ' Reminds me of a certain piece of writing read aloud in the recent past.

Memories nostalgic and so sincerely written of here, Dara. Seems you've felt emotions either via experience or immense empathy. These words really reach into me... sadly beautiful.

[Dara]

Thank you Emma, it is so nice to see your name on my page and your words that always have a way of brightening my day. I have never lost anyone to war but have read about so many others who have been affected by it that I felt the need to write something. The sad part is that our government gives them so little in comparison to the sacrifice of both troops and their families. I wonder, will it ever change? Take care and God bless dear Emma!

[R.E. Ray]

A sad story but remarkable tribute to a loved one and all who have sacrificed everything for us. Thank you.

[Dara]

Your words are so very much appreciated. Thank you for acknowledging too, their sacrifice. They have given their all with very little in return. We don't do enough for our military. Great to see you here friend!

[Kelly Scheppers]

My older brother used to sail on those ships, and how fortunate we were to have him returned to us as the man that went away. It's hard to express the gravity of these words...I'll simply thank you for writing them, for my heart is in my throat.

Bless you, Dara!

[Dara]

I am so thankful that your brother came home to you Kelly. My father was in the Navy during WWII and he too was one of the lucky ones. My heart goes out to those families who are not so fortunate. Sadly, there are so many stories out there with unhappy endings. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. We never know how our poetry will touch another person and I am humbled to think this one had such an effect on you, truly!

[The Black Penman]

A moving and deep piece that is written so very well that I was there. Great Job Dara.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. I am glad you could relate to it so well. This review is most appreciated! Nice to see you here :-)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Dara... many a Mother and many a Lover have pondered these words as the
Ship disappeared. They will always be waiting and full of hope for their safe return.
Many a broken heart mourns and constantly looks out to sea. I believe. truly, Pat

[Dara]

We can only imagine the anxiety they lived with and then the pain when the ship returned without them. Thank you dearly Pat for your sympathetic words. May you have a blessed Memorial Day.

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Dara... there is a soft breeze in memory of our Veterans today... we appreciate their service more than words can say. May your day be blessed with the scent of flowers. truly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my sister had a friend back in the early sixties who was killed two days before he was supposed to come home from Viet Nam...we honor those who gave their lives, while praying for those left behind to suffer the loss.
a moving poem here.
j.

[Dara]

Such a sad story, Jacob. It was a very tragic time in our history. Thank you for sharing it with me. Your words say it all.