Once They Were Soldiers

"Greater love hath no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13

The conversation was lively

and smoke filled the air.

The coffee pots were empty

but no one seemed to care.

Their weathered brows, furrowed

as they struggled hard to hear

the string of combat stories

going strong after all these years.

The tales of guns and roses

 filling hearts with certain yearning

to visit  far off places

and recapture campfires burning.

Paying tribute to the ones who died

long buried but not forgotten

eyes welling up with salty tears

they raise their hands to salute them.

Those gallant, elderly gentlemen

now silver haired and getting older

reminiscing about days gone by

were once American soldiers.

 

 

Author's Note

This is a poem I wrote a few years ago. I added the 4th stanza to commemorate Memorial Day.

Reviews

[Curly Grace]

Dara, this is beautifully done, tender, dignified, and full of quiet reverence. You honor these men with such grace, capturing both their camaraderie and the weight of memory they still carry.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. My father loved meeting up with older veterans. They shared a special bond that only those who had served in WWII would understand.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Nicely written. I have mixed feelings about any writing that tends to romanticize war. I honor those who fought in WWI and WWII, but since then so many men, and women have gone to war invading this country, that country and they know they are doing evil but fool themselves with notions of patriotism and political crap. But back to WWII, you might read my poem Big Deal, Heroes Come and Go. I warn you, it’s long.

[Dara]

Thank you so much. I wrote it mostly to honor my dad, a Navy veteran. I look forward to reading yours as well!

[Dylan Macadham]

A lovely write :) ...They say old soldiers never die, they just fade away. My Dad was in the Navy during World War 2. They call them the Greatest Generation! Saved the world from tyranny. ... Sounds familiar, huh?

[Dara]

My dad was a Navy WWll veteran too. Those were the days when our country felt pride for what they did. Now, sadly, we are the ones needing saving! Thank so much for sharing your thoughts.

[Dylan Macadham]

You're welcome fellow Vet-kid🙂

[Dara]

I like that. 😊

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Dara... taking care of silver-haired Veterans is an Honor for me. Your Poetry is a Memorial to to underscore their Service. gently, Pat

[Dara]

Thank you Pat! There aren’t enough words of praise for our veterans for all that they do and have done for our country. I am proud to say my father was among them. I hope you are doing well my friend and your New Year is off to a great start!

[Israel 🇵㇋..]

This poem beautifully honors the camaraderie and bravery of soldiers, capturing their memories and emotions with heartfelt warmth and respect. As a veteran myself, I loved this read. Thank you

[Dara]

Thank you for this wonderful review. It is nice to see you here and thank you for your service! I have so much respect and appreciation for all of you who have given so much for so little in return. Take care!

[Israel 🇵🇷]

Thank you so much and my pleasure as well

[MCS]

Powerful read! Coming from a long line of service men and women this touched my heart deeply. Which reminded me of the following “Adversity doth best induce virtue . . . while luxury doth best induce vice.” by James B. Stockdale. In my heart I believe that anyone seeking office and with the power to send our sons and daughters into combat better know first hand what its like to have boots on ground in places that resemble hell.

[Dara]

I couldn’t agree with you more. The sacrifices they made then and now are unimaginable to a civilian. Bless those families too, who had to sacrifice for the country. Your words are most appreciated and inspiring. Thank you!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Dara,
this one is new to me and i love it! The words mean so much today as they did years ago...we respect and honor those who fought for us...and continue to.....this is a lovely tribute to those young and old who protect our country....
Warmly, B

[Dara]

Thank you so much Betty. Going to coffee and talking to the ‘lads’ was the highlight of his day when he retired. I once was able to go with him and that was the inspiration for my poem. I hope you are keeping safe and warm during this winter storm. Take care!

[Betty Hermelee]

You are very welcome Dara, yes a bitter winter it is!
Warmly, B

[Fabian G. Franklin]

My brother came to see me a few days ago. He's a Vietnam veteran. They are still around. My dad was a WWII veteran. Another brother, deceased: 82nd Airborne, brother in-law: Vietnam Veteran, son-in-law currently serving in Army Special Forces. I not only support our troops, I'm up to my neck in them. (laughing) But I've had so many friends serve, as well, in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts. Our servicemen and service women are the best in the world. Always ready.

[Dara]

You must be proud of your line of military soldiers. The sacrifices they made then and now are hard to grasp. You are so right when you say our service men and women are the best in the world. Praying for them now especially during the Holidays so far from home. Thank you and take care!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

We tend our positions with professionalism and faithfulness. But doing our duty and job is not a source of pride for us but one of personal responsibility and accountability. We are servants of the Republic as good citizens, the same kind that pay their taxes and pull jury duty. There are no heroes, only ordinary men and women surviving life or death situations through training and their will to adapt, improvise and overcome. I don't know anybody who wants to be a hero but I know plenty willing and ready to serve.

[Dara]

You have said it all so well! I pray your son-in-law stays safe. He must be extraordinary to serve in the Army Special Forces.

[Davidgeo]

None of the old school writers on this site should feel comfortable posting poetry about veteran suicide after what you "people" let Divya do on this site over the past 18 months.

You people should be ashamed of yourselves. As long as the reviews are pleasant though... people can go on campaigns attempting to induce suicide... no big deal. You "people" really are pathetic.

My guess is that everyone just figured I'd let it go.... nope. I forgive you pos "people"... but I will never forget. This community is disgusting. I stay for that reason... to piss you pathetic losers off.