Comment from royowen

Excellent

This was a very powerful work, telling of the horrors of Vietnam war years. My brother was Vietnam vet. Though he escaped the suffering a lot of others endured! I found this a riveting write! The descriptive narrative was beautifully written and flowed off the pen with vivid imagery! Well done, blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 13-May-2014

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reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Thank you very much, Roy.

I think the Vietnam vets got a bum deal upon their return home. They were only men following orders and defending our country the only way they knew how. We all know how they were treated. Although I didn't state it, this one is dedicated to my Uncle Jimmy who died in an Alabama maximum security prison> The war really messed his mind up badly, and many of the stanzas were based on things he would only relate to me when drunk, or stoned. It scared the bejeebers out of me, the things he'd tell!

reply by royowen on 13-May-2014

Thank you for this brilliant write, the poor guys who returned were treated so badly, now they're heroes but methinks the horse has bolted! Roy.

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

This is a sad poem about the mental effects of war on the surviving soldier. It is sad we treated this particular group of veterans so badly when they returned. They went where they were told and followed orders like others. Some of those orders should have been questioned, but weren't.

This is well written and illustrated. It seems you might have been there. If you were thanks for your service.

You're notes seem to give these soldiers no hope of happiness in the end. I thought the Bible says that all
those sins that are regretted and atoned for are forgiven and so you have a chance to get into heaven.

Keep writing

dragonpoet

 Comment Written 13-May-2014

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reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Thanks very much, dragonpoet, and while I was a Marine, I just barely missed being old enough to go to Vietnam. However, I had two uncles who have since passed, and for one of them, the war destroyed his life.

The Biblical reference I made was simply because I mention that the man who took his life went to hell for it. Many believe, as I do, that suicide is not a pardonable sin. The Bible clearly states in Exodus 20:13, 'Thou shalt not kill'. When you've taken your own life, you are taking away God's authority by killing something He created. In a sense, you are mocking God. In addition, you have no time to make amends, to ask for forgiveness because you're already dead. This is how i was taught, and opinions differ on the matter.

Again, thanks so much for reading, and for the great review!

reply by dragonpoet on 13-May-2014

You're welcome.
Sometimes those who commit suicide are mentally ill. Do we send them to hell too even though they might not have known better.

dragonpoet

K

reply by the author on 13-May-2014

I don't know if there are special provisions made or not, my friend. I try not to make personal judgments or opinions on anyone, as that is for God to decide. I'm fairly certain He would, however.

Thanks again!

Comment from michaelcahill

Exceptional

This is spectacular in every way that something creative and meaningful can be. The writing is flawless and flows forth with readable ease while amazing imagery unfolds and the message is clearly stated. The presentation only adds to the effect already present by the words alone. Could only be one poet that I know of. But, we shall pretend I don't!! mikey

 Comment Written 13-May-2014

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reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Thanks so much, Michael, I'm very glad that you enjoyed it. I took a topic that was very personal to me, and tried to do it and all those afflicted with PTSD justice. I felt it was the least I could do.

Again, thanks for the kind comments, and the extra star.

~Anon for now~

reply by michaelcahill on 13-May-2014

It extends beyond war as well. My wife has that from an abusive marriage. (worse than the one she's in now. hahaha) Seriously though, it affects her almost 30 years later. She liked your piece as well. mikey

Comment from rouskin

Excellent

Forever, torment set in stone, I pray to God He'll call me home. Hell indeed ... If I had six they would be yours I'm going to vote for you again :) You are simply the best
Blessings, Rouskin

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 13-May-2014

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reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Thank you, rouskin. I don't know about being the best, I win so few of these contests. However, I do give my best, and I'm delighted that is good enough for you.

Thanks for the outstanding review.

reply by rouskin on 13-May-2014

You don't win because :Some people hate jazz. Not just ?dislike? or ?find irritating,? or even ?don?t get.? No, they hate it
:):):):)

reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Oh? By jazz you mean what, exactly?

reply by the author on 13-May-2014

Oh? By jazz you mean what, exactly? A flashy presentation to go along with the poetry? I'm not fully comprehending your meaning, I think...

reply by rouskin on 13-May-2014

For me Jazz is the best music, but people have different tastes Jazz = Damn good writing !
God Bless You