"The Forgotten"- A Tribute to Military Widows

Inspired by words received from a cousin regarding the plight of military widows. They are often too soon forgotten!

Author's Note

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

those back home are the support for those in the service..hearing from those back home gives strength to the military personnel serving our country...so they are important also.

you are really great at these tributes, sheila.

i missed this first time around.

jacob

[Sheila Kline]

Your comments are very much appreciated!! I have done many tributes Jacob - I am glad you found this one on second time around!!!

[ron]

I have had the greatest honor yet profoundly sad duty of being on a burial detail while in the Army. Thank you for telling of those that remain, after it is all said and done.

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you Ron for serving in this way for our country!! I know how much it meant to my mom when my dad died to have a unit there from Ft. Campbell, KY!! Would you write to me a few words of what if felt like to serve as I would really like to write a poem about those who serve in such a way! It is a wonderful tribute to our military to be honored with a military funeral!

[ron]

Thank you. I am greatly honored that a writer of your caliber would ask such a humbling request of me. It would be my greatest honor to fullfil your request.

[Sheila Kline]

How wonderful!! I look forward to receiving your remarks!!

[Sheila Kline]

The Forgotten - A Tribute to Military Widows


As the soft sounds of taps echoed in the distance,
Tears ran from my eyes, sorrow met not resistance.
Military widow is now the name I bear.
To don a mantle of such deep grief doesn’t seem fair.

Ne’er shall I forget the heroic man you were-
Fearless soldier ‘til the day your death did occur.
Now I have young children to care for on my own.
I asked, "Why must I bear this burden yet unknown?"

Though I stood proudly as they handed me your flag,
Strength and courage I showed though my spirit did lag.
Fighting in the name of country was your reason.
No better cause for war found in any season.

I recall fear when other widows struggled so.
Loneliness and hardship became their daily foe
After burial many come to ease the loss.
Concerns fade with time so paths no longer cross.

Sadly, others felt with time, pain of wounds would heal.
They thought I was fine as needs I did not reveal.
Days and nights melted into months and joined lost years,
And as life’s hourglass turned, I was still shedding tears.

Why am I unseen while in full sight I remain,
Or be a wife forgotten among life's refrain?
My husband’s brave acts helped our freedoms be preserved,
I asked my peers if apathy’s what I deserved.

I’ve been abandoned, is this how my world should be?
You gave your life to preserve our land’s liberty.
Has your untimely death forever sealed my doom?
I’m imprisoned in a life wallpapered with gloom!

I AM NOW BUT A MILITARY WIDOW - FORGOTTEN!

Sheila, Ms. Lady of Love



This poem was written as the result of an exchange of emails with a cousin of mine on November 22, 2008. I’d emailed him about a military widow who was taking flowers to a local cemetery to honor members of her family who had become victims of different wars.

The following was his response:

“Military wives should never be forgotten! They are the ones that give support and strength to the military man. I know that there are military husbands as well but the majority is wives. They suffer the same low pay and neglect that the active member does and they are nearly invisible to the world. They are then expected to suffer unbearable loss and pain and remain invisible. We have seen too many of them stand stoically with tears while being presented a flag and hearing the report of a military salute. They are beautiful women for their strength, and dignity shines through all else......their husbands serve for varied reasons but fight for one reason - freedom. No nobler cause can be found.

[Samuel Dickens]

In this world of unsung heros, the military wife stands out, and for so many reasons. A military person on the other side of the world can be reinforced/energized by news from their spouse, or crushed and defeated. (I've had both) When the member doesn't come home alive, the burden on the one who's been holding up the fort may become unbearable.

[Sheila Kline]

You express exactly what I have tried to say in this write! Thank you my friend!!

[papaed]

A wonderful share! And not a single response till now!
Most of us have trials in our lives, but I imagine few last so long as losing a spouse to war. I came back from Vietnam and lost my wife to divorce almost immediately... Another of the many negative dimensions to military service. The separation showed her that she did not really love me. I'm very glad to read this... "Sheila, MS Lady of Compassionate Love.
Peace be with you,
papaed

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you papaed!!! I hope to bring a bit of light to the problems of those who are left to struggle on their own!!
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your wife after a tour in Vietnam!! I am indeed honored to have you as my first responder to this write!!