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The Uss Arizona 12 7 41

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Danny Galieote

I race toward my workspace, now battle station Code Zebra, ASAP, batten down the hatches! Ka-boom! Boom! Boom! A trance-like sensation Shipmates scramble for smokes and matches Ray, Dale, and Russ don’t show I think: run, jump; if you die, die free Not trapped and sealed in steel below Not buried alive like me! Kaboom! Overhead bolts shoot from the seams Above is a warm Hawaiian autumn I’m weak as blood from my neck streams Where am I now? Of course, I remember It’s noon, I have a date with a girl on the beach She’s eighteen and a bit silly, like me What a gorgeous sight, she’s now within reach I’m so happy and complete, so free 7/12/22 Tears Of A Valiant Soldier Poetry Contest Sponsor: Faraz Ajmal

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Sotto Poet

Date: 8/13/2022 8:12:00 PM

Robert, you did a wonderful job writing this. We are left altered by its strength, its anguish, and its metaphors. Many, many thanks for taking the time to leave a comment on my page.

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 8/5/2022 3:32:00 PM

Hi Robert. Very poignantly written. I have nothing but respect for American service man. Could I direct you to two of my poems written about two ships I was invited aboard in Brisbane, Australia. The USS Columbia, and the USS Bonhomme Richard. Both poems were featured on their websites in 2003.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 8/13/2022 12:56:00 PM

I appreciate your comment SuZ. I have read "Goodbye Sun" and enjoyed it immensely. "We Have Not Yet Begun" I also really enjoyed. Godspeed, Robert

Suzanne Delaney
Date: 8/5/2022 3:33:00 PM

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/goodbye_sun_482440 https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/we_have_not_yet_begun_482441 I would love your opinion on them. Best, SuZ

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/24/2022 1:58:00 PM

I'm faving this, a fictional history based on raw facts. To be in his boots, a genuine tribute, young sailors, lost lives, Pearl Harbor! I choked up on the last stanza. Good luck in the contest ~Anaya

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 3:03:00 PM

It's my great honor to tribute American servicemen on that date which will live in infamy! Thank you, for the fave, Robert

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 7/20/2022 3:30:00 AM

I had to read it twice to get the meaning of it, the whole meaning. A fav in my book of personal selections by way of excellency x

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/20/2022 12:15:00 PM

Thanks for the fav, and your complimentary response! Robert

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/19/2022 8:45:00 PM

'So free' -- For you and countless hundreds of millions, the greatest generation gave their lives. I wish more people remembered. At ease, Gershon

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/20/2022 12:26:00 PM

In war a quick death is usually preferable, it's the loved ones left behind who wind up suffering. Robert

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 7/19/2022 8:17:00 PM

Powerfully written, with sad, vivid images. A sorrowful chapter in history.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/20/2022 12:31:00 PM

Thank you, I am for delighted by your perceptive comment. Robert

John Loving Iii

Date: 7/19/2022 4:27:00 PM

My imagination of soldiers that dont want to die alone. But look at the date. A day that shall live in infamy. A grave reaching from Here to Eturnity benieth the waves. a monument for the ages. A subject for a poets pen to ponder.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/19/2022 5:39:00 PM

Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and for the mention of the movie that revived Frank Sinatra's carrier. Robert

Ann Foster

Date: 7/14/2022 12:19:00 PM

This was beautifully written. Power, sadness, and imagery that leaves you changed... Ann

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/18/2022 4:35:00 PM

Thank you, Ann. Images of young sailors going down on the Arizona, have been haunting me. I enjoy your poems as well.

Buhagiar Victor

Date: 7/14/2022 10:27:00 AM

Very emotional. That's what I like best.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/18/2022 4:38:00 PM

What happened on Pearl Harbor remains emotional to many Americans. Thank you, Robert

Harry Horsman

Date: 7/13/2022 1:44:00 AM

Different Robert, and compelling.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/18/2022 4:39:00 PM

I believe it's important to think about what sailors and soldiers have to endure. Thank you, Harry, Robert

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/12/2022 8:06:00 PM

Real war from ground zero--the trenches, really felt it Robert!

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/18/2022 4:40:00 PM

I'm glad I was able to reach you, Anaya. Robert