Bloody Nose:
For
those who were there
For
those who lived to tell
For
those who made it’s story stay alive
A
bloody nose
A
wearily, long, dubious battle
Towards
the end you learn to do what you are told
Don’t
ask questions
Protect
your brothers
Keep
your head down, your feet moving toward anything
Protect
the ones who protect you
Company
K, Company 1 commanded with vigor
Commanded
with honor
For
those who wish not to speak
For
those who suppress the aspects
For
those who gave they’re lives
A
marine rifleman
A
marine sniper
A
marine all one in the same
Young
boys proud to serve they’re country
Unruly,
eager to join the combat
Fight
the good fight
Stark
realism, scars to prove they were there
Characterized
the Marine Corps
Sad
song to sing, a single photo of a woman back home
Allow
me the privilege Sir,
Whistles
of a stream train provided, and invited
The
illusion of an unhurried life
Real
fine Marine Corps meal ticket
Courtesy
of signing on that dotted line
Order
something nice for that girl of yours
Full
of sweet salty swagger
Care
to lend me a hand Officer
Confidence
characterized the Marine Corps
Flunking
out of a peaceful Officer college campus
So
to join combat quicker
Admiration,
Determination
Glory
of the 1st Marine Division
For
those who fought on Peleliu
For
those who were called the Wildcats
For
those who signed away they’re life
For
the ones who were the last of the family line and went anyway
For
those who are the Marine Corps
As I said, stark realism says it all.
ReplyDeleteI love these lines:
Sad song to sing, a single photo of a woman back home
Allow me the privilege Sir,
Whistles of a stream train provided, and invited
The illusion of an unhurried life
Real fine Marine Corps meal ticket
Courtesy of signing on that dotted line
I wrote that poem when my brother said he wanted to join the Marine's.
ReplyDelete"Sad song to sing, a single photo of a woman back home
Allow me the privilege Sir,"
I had hoped my shame would show through the words, because my mother and I begged him not to go and what sort of person does that make me?
"Whistles of a steam train provided, and invited
The illusion of an unhurried life"
I imagined the bliss soilders must feel, the hours spent on the train or on plane that would take them to war. The Silence Before War.
"Real fine Marine Corps meal ticket
Courtesy of signing on that dotted line."
Everyone of my mothers six brothers were forced to go Vietnman
They never recieved a parade, not even a Welcome Home when they returned.
Those lines were written in rage.
Begging him not go only makes you a very concerned sister. I know that kind of concern. It feels like sickness.
DeleteVery powerful stuff, Anna!
ReplyDeleteThank you, hearing that people actually like my poetry means the entire world to me.
DeleteMy brother has 2 years in the Army. He is going to Afghanistan in November. That is where The Dignified Transfer comes from I guess.
ReplyDeleteMy brother never joined the Marines.
DeleteBut I am an avid supporter of our troops.
I have a cousin in the Army, serving in Afghanistan now and I am just starting to write to him. Send him cookies and stuff.
Hi Anna, great blog! I love the poetry! I'm a follower. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Please follow if you have a chance. Best, Greg
ReplyDeleteIt really means so much that you like my poetry. Thank you for saying so.
ReplyDeleteI love the poem!! I think you should link one of these puppies up at Cowgirl Up at Cedar Hill Ranch, you can do it now or even wait until the next party on Tuesday. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteThis poem is lovely. Very beautiful and moving and strong.
ReplyDeleteThank you. You put a big grin on my face saying this. I never knew my poetry was any good until I created this blog. It really is quite stunning to hear people say such wonderful things about it.
Delete