Reviews from

Would I live?

A soldier lays gravely wounded. He prays to God to live.

32 total reviews 
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I appreciate the thoughts and impressions in this free verse. I was drafted in 1867 so I am aware of the things that changed our country after this war. I have lost several friends in the last 5 years that served in VN and some died from Agent Orange complications all these years later. This is meaningful and thank you for this excellent narrative.

Robert

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024

Comment from gansach
Excellent
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This is a good entry for the My Faith poetry competition. The image you chose is a good illustration for your words. No one in military service knows what's in store for them when they serve their country and can only pray they make it back to their loved ones in one piece. This poem paints a picture of what that sacrifice and duty may be. We owe so much to our servicemen. Great job!

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 18-Oct-2024
    Thank you so much for the kind words. Whether it's a story or a poem, just like this one. I write from my heart for those that served in Vietnam. I had two brothers that served, one as a Navy Seabee (1965-1966). The other was with the Army's 1st Cavalry Division (1968-1969). I just missed going. I do not think my poor mother could have taken another son in Vietnam.
Comment from Sanku
Excellent
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Of course that is the sweetest words you can hear.. as you rightly said this could be of any war and any veteran . I strongly feel wars are sheer waste . why cant countries solve issues by talking over /

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 18-Oct-2024
    Thank you taking the time to read my poem and reply. I hate war. Vietnam destroyed my middle brothers life. He was not physically wounded, he was mentally wounded.When he came home in 1969, he had changed. He used alcohol to solve his problems. A straight A student in school, good looking, popular and outgoing. He had the world at his feet. Vietnam took all of that from him. Thank God almost twenty years ago, his army brothers talked him into going to the VA for treatment. They saved his life. My brother is the brother I knew before Vietnam. Sadly he lost half his life.
    If politicans or their children had to fight a war. There would be no wars.
Comment from bob cullen
Excellent
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This takes me back more than fifty years. I'd just registered for National Service in the Military. If selected, the chances of serving in Vietnam became more than probable. Luck rode with me, my date of birth wasn't pulled from the barrel. The result, I missed call-up.
For me, any write that trigger's long forgotten memories is a good write. That's why I valued this one so highly.

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024

Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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A beautifully worded poem written from the heart with compelling words. The lack of recognition on their return from active duty has added to the trauma experienced by so many. Well done. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024

Comment from ESOSTINE
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The poem was a near miss fatal experience of a war veteran. It is an appreciation of God's saving love and mercy when hope is lost. I am glad for the life to tell the story around loving and proud family and grandchildren. Well done, dear Richy.

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 18-Oct-2024
    Thank you for the kind words and rating. I am a short story writer, but every now and then I like to give poetry a try. My grandfather and mother were outstanding poets. I will never be at their level. However, I still like to try my hand at it. I know both are proud.
Comment from Kahlani
Excellent
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I literally got chills reading this. I had to know the outcome of your story. I sighed with relief when God blessed you with more time on this earth. He even blessed you with grandchildren. Beautiful poem.

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 17-Oct-2024
    Thank you so much. I normally write short stories. My grandfather and mother were both excellent poets. I will never be at their level, but I know their happy I tried.
Comment from artisart4u
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

That is so nice to read, soldiers are humans and they have feelings too. Faith, will get you through. I am glad it turned out that the soldier was able to live and be loved by his grandchildren, family, and friends. A soldier is a brave soul and one to respect.
Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 17-Oct-2024
    Thank you so much. Normally I write short stories. I have always thought anyone can write a story, but it takes someone special to write poetry. My grandfather and mother were great poets. I will never be at their level. Although, I am sure they are happy I tried.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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Did this really happen to you? If it did then I am glad you survived and came home safely. If not, then this is a tribute to all those who have suffered fear of dying in war and those who have died, as we owe them so much, a poignant post, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 17-Oct-2024
    First, thank you for reading my piece. No the story is not about me. It is a friend of mine. He overcame the war and led a happy life. His grandchildren love their "Papa."
Comment from DonandVicki
Excellent
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I served in Vietnam and can relate to your story/ Poem. I wasn't wounded but I have known many that were and those that did not make it. A well written poem that brings back memories.

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2024


reply by the author on 17-Oct-2024
    First, thank you for your service. My ties to Vietnam veterans are strong. I graduated in 1972. A couple of years too late. Although, my mother was happy. My two older brothers served in Vietnam. Don, the oldest, was a Navy Seabee and in Vietnam 1965-1966. John, my middle brother, was with the 5th/7th 1st Cavalry "Air Mobile." 1968-1969. Added to that, I worked with many Vietnam veterans. A few years before covid, John asked me to go with him to a reunion in Washington D.C. It was a humbling experience for me. I was surrounded by a room full of heroes. While I was there, I spoke with John's lieutenant, Mike Sprayberry a Medal of Honor winner. He told me John was an excellent soldier and I should be very proud of him. I have always been proud of John. He had a rough time after Vietnam. Thank God his Cav brothers saved him. If you have time, I have written several stories about Vietnam veterans. Each story I pray does my brothers, the others, and men like you, justice.
    However, the last thing I want to do is bring up memories. So please read them only if it will not affect you. Thank you again Don, for your service.
reply by DonandVicki on 18-Oct-2024
    I only have good memories of my past. The not so good memories have started to fade. Thank you, Don.