A Ship in Pearl

I composed this on my last visit to the memorial.

A battleship of steel that is no more,
silently sleeps on Pearl Harbor's floor.
For sixty plus years she's kept men so brave,
we all hold-on beloved, to this National grave.
In Sunday's slow pace the Japanese took lives,
and tore open the souls of sons, daughters, and wives.
The opening blow to a hard fought war,
survivors knew best what the fighting was for.
They gather at Pearl with each lustrum's fall,
fewer each time as nature does call.
To answer this ill, survivors did run,
avenging ones lost in that solemn morn's sun.
Precious are those who stood the line,
when danger was East, across an endless brine.
From here to there, they took the fight,
and made them pay high for their wanton spite.
Here's to the men, both living and gone,
who gave of themselves when weapons were drawn.
The good ship Arizona may be rusting away,
forever on patrol, protecting us she'll stay.
Strong with steel, that made her whole,
it was the men aboard that gave her the soul.
Now in our hearts, she does sail fast,
leading our way, true to the last.
Honor the few who are here from that day,
for soon, they too will have gone away.
To join with brothers out on the sea,
guarding a future for those who will be.

 

Thank God for you all!

Reviews

[Valentine]

This was writen beautifully in honor to those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor..Not enough respect is shown to any of the veterans of any of the wars that have occured in my lifetime..the Arizona is holding the bodies of those brave men who perished on her that day..nice write,,God bless..Valentine

[LSS]

Thanks, well written as usual.
LSS

[James K. Blaylock]

Such heartfelt words, my friend, may they echo onward...

jkb

[David Lewis Paget]

Every culture has its own totems, and this is one of America's. Not being a part of that, as an Australian, I can nevertheless appreciate the emotion that lies behind this marvellous piece. We feel pretty much the same about some of our ships that went down in the war, as the British do about the 'Hood'. There's something special about these sea-going Leviathans - perhaps because of the number of souls they carried, and lost when going down. They are certainly part of a history which will never be forgotten.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

What a wonderful tribute to those who have served and continue to do so. Thank you for sharing this with us. This has a perfect rhyme, rhythm and cadence - well done.
Light,
Siddartha

[Carole]

So glad to have read your piece here Michael, about the Arizona Memorial. It's funny,...I just met a girl from Hawaii and she was talking about the Memorial and the feeling one gets when going to see it. My husband has been to Hawaii and seen it but I never have and look forward to it when we make our trip to Hawaii. I found this write interesting. Enjoyed it! Blessings, Carole

[Ray Hamilton]

Wonderful tribute to the brave fallen
Well penned I enjoyed the read
Thanks for sharing
Ray

[Fran Marie]

An Awesome write and Beautifully penned Memorail tribute to the Arizona

THanks for sharing this wonderful piece my friend~Fran Marie

[T]

Michael, this is the most beautiful memorial tribute to the Arizona that I have ever read, and I've read many, my friend. You brought my tears, moving deeply and I thank you for sharing it. I am saving it! You have a beautiful heart, Michael, a very compassionate soul ... warmest aloha - Tiana

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

A wonderful poem/story. Thank you for sharing. Debileah