against a thick crimson sky

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lone soldier

this day is not ours to decide
it is done
some had no choice
sacrifices made
youthful years in hell
bodies and minds disabled
parentless children
forever missing
white markers
against a thick crimson sky
we commemorate those
living daily nightmares
eternal memories stowed
in footlockers
those of us 
untouched by blood
this day stand beside
those who act(ed) honorably
who often return(ed) alone
these dutiful hearts
must never
sense anything
but respect
compassion
evermore…
pop Germanymy father-in-law while stationed in Germany
below, enjoying his US return
with his beautiful girl who was to become my mother-in-law
below that photo, one from 1919 LeMans, France
my father-in-law’s father #95
war returnLeMans, France 1919

41 thoughts on “against a thick crimson sky”

  2. Since I was one of those lonely GIs wandering the dark flightline on midnight shift I can relate to the feeling that we’re all alone out there, guarding our freedoms. I get angry though when our leaders drag us into harm’s way without a really just cause. Won’t we ever learn from our previous conflicts/actions/wars?

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    • Ah, Bob – thus, the first line I wrote for this was very important to me, when today we can employ such hindsight to our history.
      I’m sorry you went through what you did. But I’m glad you are who are you today:) A talented, funny, thoughtful, animal-loving, coffee-drinking kind of guy 🙂
      But whether right or wrong in the political arena, I thank you for your service, Sir. It would be wonderful to think no one ever need be in harms way
      am:)

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      • The scariest wartime story I have to tell is guarding the neighborhood garbage truck in Kunsan, Korea. With M-16 in hand I rode “shotgun” in the passenger seat while the Korean driver took his load to the dump. The workers waiting were very careful not to spill a drop of the bacon grease they got from the Korean cooks in the cafeteria chow halls.

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      • Guns all by themselves are frightening to me.
        Though my dad came home with one every night, us kids never saw it…
        It must have been quite frightening to be in the position you were in, Bob and in unfamiliar territory to boot…

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      • Those who had to pull this duty sort of looked the other way as that grease meant nothing to us but a source of protein for the Korean families who used it for cooking oil and flavor. Koreans didn’t waste anything.

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      • I had a great zoo visit today. It’s always good to see so many friends there, be they zoo workers/volunteers or other frequent visitors I speak to often. My friends, the animals, were doing well also today with quite a crowd in attendance doing our beautiful Spring weather in the low 60s.

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  3. Truer words could not be spoken AnnMarie! Beautifully written for those who gave their everything to protect so much more than just their country. There is nothing in existence to repay these warriors for their bravery! A wonderful tribute!

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    • Morning, Alan.
      Thank you for your generous words.
      My sibs and I have all different opinions on our country’s history…very distinct views from all directions.
      I believe, regardless of our views, we must unequivocally respect those who risk(ed) the only thing humans have to truly lose. Many long ago…didn’t have a choice. It’s difficult to even imagine the fear…
      annmarie

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      • Good morning AnnMarie,
        Watching beliefs cross paths can sometimes be like being greeted by a tornado before having that first cup of coffee.
        You have hit the nail smack on the head on all counts AnnMarie. The fear that each one felt still shakes nations through time and will do so until war ceases. Unfortunately, history simply repeats itself time and again.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Lovely sentiment, lovely poem, AM. I wish for peace and no more wars, but I am so grateful for all those who have served our country. Wishing you and your family a joyous a Memorial Day weekend. 😎

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  10. “eternal memories stowed
    in footlockers”
    Thank you for this today. I especially like these two lines. Recently just completed a project of making “ancestry” books for my two kids….went through envelopes and shoeboxes of old old photos. Came across some of my dad from WW II. Your poem and these photos remind me of his generation. Boston Commons has a display of 37000 American flags….one for each MA resident lost in harms way since the Revolutionary War. We went to see it yesterday — the breeze was blowing and it was amazing to see this “field” rippling in the wind.
    The sketch is beautiful in its simplicity.

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    • Thank you for a gorgeous Memorial morning visual, Lillian. – 37,000 flags waving in the breeze – ominous and spectacular in equal measure.
      The old photos are the ones I find that get you in the heart. There’s something in the faces.
      How thoughtful to make books for your children. And I’m sure these ancestry treasures will be resplendent in gorgeous prose, as well!
      am:)

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