U.S. Veterans

For my Uncle John, a Navy Man, and to all those past and present, I salute you. 

I saw you from a distance
Sitting there in your fatigues

Hands clamped to hold your chin up
Eyes closed to shut out all the rest

It was then I began to wonder
What it felt like to be a soldier?

Coming home after a long time passed
With only a duffel bag at your feet

Do you feel alone in this world
‘cuz chaos hasn’t left your sight?

Am I oblivious to what is out there
‘cuz you kept immediate danger away?

Finally you opened your eyes to us
And my questions were answered

Part of you sits waiting for your flight
while war imprisoned the rest

Not sure whether you surrendered it
Or it took without your consent

Back on Freedom soil to continue on
Part of you that still remains strong

My hand on your shoulder you look up
Have I said, “Thank you for your sacrifice”

Words seem hollow compared to your actions
All I can offer are these simple things

You look at me and smile with a nod
For starters, it is good to help with the mend

Veterans and War,

Bea

Veteran’s Day!

For the first time in a long time, I’m glad to see the media focusing on our veterans and doing stories about their sacrificed. I want to take this time to thank all the veterans and their families for their sacrifices, along with those in active service From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the service you’ve given to your country in keeping the United States free. God Bless every one of you.  

 Crush

The camera’s angle

twists and swings to the voice

of the broadcaster. 

Bloody boots resembling

yours appear on enemy streets;

gunfire lights up the sky.

I can smell the smoke drift

in the night air even thousands

of miles away.

Trepidation moves me closer

to the screen looking for a sign,

such as crow color hair,

with a spray of warfare sweat.

Or a calloused hand, tattoo

on thumb, symbolizing courage.

Nothing revealed you were among

the dust, broken buildings or

bodies.   I shift away

then walk to the window.

Looking up, a bright sun warms

my worried face; wonder if

you’re safe, tucked in

a hole away from harm’s way.

But this feeling belongs

to me alone.

I don’t know where you

rest your body, hoping it’s

still breathing—

just like you didn’t know my crush

on you—since childhood cavorting.

Sacrifice and Freedom,

Bea

In Memory of my uncle, John Maluska.

Freedom!

It was our country’s separation from Great Britain,
which brought fame to the Declaration document,
courageous free people proposed our own government
and spirited men sat down until it was written.

Forefathers established a land of independence
to prosper, away from religious persecution.
We needed brave souls to sign such a solution
maybe resulting in death, but worth transcendence.

Thirteen states declared their God given rights
Admit, “All men are created equal… by their Creator”.
Even they believed in a higher being much greater
than humans’ ongoing faults of lost lives through fights.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to secure
allow “it is the right of the people to alter or abolish”
“Change for light and transient causes” will demolish
what these great men risked to challenge and endure.

Then King of Britain caused our great nation’s missions.
Failures for the good of the people, they listed his malice.
“Refused… to cause others to be elected;” sitting in palace
“Prevent the population of… states… raising the conditions”

”Warned them… of attempts… [no] jurisdiction over us”
As a result, our men found the King unfit to rule free lands.
Time to rule for the people, they declared their demands
for us to become as one and reach the goal of success.

“Representatives of the United States of America” swear
absolve “free and independent states” from the British Crown.
We seek our own judicial system covered by majority’s gown
“[p]ledge… our lives, our fortunes and… sacred honor” in prayer.

233-years later, we find ourselves another road of challenge
deviating from the mass to suffice a few needless complaints.
Some cry over stolen freedom while others deny all saints.
Still hope in bringing our Declaration back, we vote for change.

Now we plea to “provide new guards for [our] future security”
Find what had once been established in writing for what remains.
Snap ties that bring our forces down with negative campaigns
Relinquish what once we relied on to wash away impurity.

Let our minds speak again for the Freedom of our Population
“Whenever any form of government becomes destructive”
“Institute new… foundation on such principles” stay productive.
Come together again, united, to enjoy today’s celebration.

Freedom!

Happy Fourth of July, Everyone! I wish you all a safe and enjoyable celebration. Thank you to all the men and women and their families, past and present, who have fought for our freedom. Your courage and spirit lives on in our stars and stripes.

It was our country’s separation from Great Britain,
which brought fame to the Declaration document,
courageous free people proposed our own government
and spirited men sat down until it was written.

Forefathers established a land of independence
to prosper, away from religious persecution.
We needed brave souls to sign such a solution
maybe resulting in death, but worth transcendence.

Thirteen states declared their God given rights
Admit, “All men are created equal… by their Creator”
even they believed in a higher being much greater
than humans’ ongoing faults of lost lives through fights.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to secure
allow “it is the right of the people to alter or abolish”
“Change for light and transient causes” will demolish
what these great men risked to challenge and endure.

Then King of Britain caused our great nation’s missions.
Failures for the good of the people, they listed his malice.
“Refused… to cause others to be elected;” sitting in palace
“Prevent the population of… states… raising the conditions”

”Warned them… of attempts… [no] jurisdiction over us”
As a result, our men found the King unfit to rule free lands.
Time to rule for the people, they declared their demands
for us to become as one and reach the goal of success.

“Representatives of the United States of America” swear
absolve “free and independent states” from the British Crown.
We seek our own judicial system covered by majority’s gown
“[p]ledge… our lives, our fortunes and… sacred honor” in prayer.

233-years later, we find ourselves another road of challenge
deviating from the mass to suffice a few needless complaints.
Some cry over stolen freedom while others deny all saints.
Still hope in bringing our Declaration back, we vote for change.

Now we plea to “provide new guards for [our] future security”
Find what had once been established in writing for what remains.
Snap ties that bring our forces down with negative campaigns
Relinquish what once we relied on to wash away impurity.

Let our minds speak again for the Freedom of our Population
“Whenever any form of government becomes destructive”
“Institute new… foundation on such principles” stay productive.
Come together again, united, to enjoy today’s celebration.

Thank you to the folks at the Writer's Block for giving me the confidence in posting this poem.