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Tom Cunningham Poem
It was a glorious summer day and I woke up with the lark
Got my wheelchair ready and then headed to the park
I noticed a girl out jogging, with her dog down by the lake
And felt a chill as they approached me and I did a double take.
The dog's tail was wagging and he ran over to me
It took my mind back to '65, for what's now a painful memory
It was when I lost the use of my legs, and ended up in a wheelchair
But I consider myself lucky because I got out of there.
I was with the 58th infantry in South Vietnam
With a dog scout unit at camp Tau 'Na Cam
I trained for three months with a dog called Shadow
A German shepherd who'd follow me everywhere I'd go.
My posting came through and I was being sent
To join the 7th Air Cavalry, Custer's old regiment
Ten Hueys were being prepared and ready to go
On a search and destroy mission to where I didnt know.
I settled in then played baseball with some guys from Tennessee
Shadow would run and fetch the ball and bring it back to me
Then over the public address system we heard 'Garry Owen' play
It was a signal that the mission, would be soon underway.
Soldiers were darting here and there; getting ready to go
I too got ready and then put a harness on Shadow
The Hueys blades were rotating and we all climbed aboard
Then ten Hueys lifted off gracefully, and like birds' we soared.
We were heading north across jungle, just skimming the trees
Shadow leaned his head out, he was enjoying the breeze
We landed in a clearing and all quickly jumped out
Running for cover because we knew 'Charlie ' was about.
The Huey's didn't hang around and were soon flying high
And soon were specks in the distance in that bright azure sky
The captain signalled to move forward cautiously
Myself and Shadow were at the front, to seek out the enemy.
Unknown to us the intelligence, had been totally wrong
Up ahead were two North Vietnamese regiments, and Viet Cong
Shadow pricked up his ears and started growling
Then all hell broke loose as the enemy started firing.
We took cover and returned fire but 'Charlie' was all around
Odds were heavily stacked against us so we headed for higher ground
The captain was angry that the intelligence had been so wrong
We wouldn't have stood a chance and couldn't have held out for long.
He radioed for help and said " Broken arrow,
We need air support now or we won't see tomorrow"
He gave control the coordinates confirming they were right
Then carried on firing against the North Vietnamese might.
We took casualties but held our ground and kept them at bay
Then over the radio came a message, "birds' on their way"
We made for the clearing and beat a hasty retreat
Then I stepped on a mine and was blown off my feet.
I was conscious but couldn't feel my legs, then saw a lone 'Charlie'
Holding up his rifle, he was getting ready to finish me
Then out of nowhere I saw Shadow who went on the attack
'Charlie' fell over bleeding heavily and then I heard a loud crack.
Shadow gave a loud whimper and I knew he was dead
A sniper had shot him with a bullet to the head
Then above me in the sky, I heard an almighty roar
And saw five B47s drop their payloads and 'Charlie' was no more.
I passed out with the pain and woke up in a hospital bed
Then I had the flashbacks and realised Shadow was dead
The army medically discharged me, I could no longer walk
I was traumatised by my experience and for months couldn't talk.
My mind came back to the present day as the girl said
"Prince really likes you", as I was stroking his head
It was as if Shadow had come back to check up on me
And for the first time in years, I went home feeling happy.
Written 17th April 2021.
YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE, NO. 2 Poetry Contest.
Sponsored By L. Milton Hankins.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021
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Tom Cunningham Poem
A funny thing happened on the way to my hanging
Couldn't sleep the night before my head was banging
I was innocent of a crime that I did not commit
But they roughed me up and got me to admit.
The face on the wanted posters said it was me
Anyone seeing those posters would be inclined to agree
I was in a horse drawn prison wagon with bars down the side
Thinking to myself, it will be my last ever ride.
Heading for the gallows then onto Boot hill
To pay for shooting a bank teller that I didn't kill
Two miles from the town all hell did break loose
Unbeknownst to me I'd be dodging the noose.
For ten desperados' brought the wagon to stop
Then ordered the guards, their weapons they drop
Some gang members got me out and they set me free
The gang leader approached and he looked just like me.
He said " in this life you look out for your own "
Then he told me something that I hadn't known
" We were Separated at birth and we had the same mother "
And that this mean desperado was in fact my twin brother .
" We heard that you'd been framed for our crime spree
But you are my brother and that's why we've set you free.
The teller had died because he went for his gun
We grabbed all the money and went on the run ".
He gave me some money and said " start a new life "
Told me head south, settle down and find a good wife
There was so much I wanted to ask him and so much to say
My brother said " some other time, best be on your way " .
Written on 4th July 2018.
For a funny thing happened on the way to...poetry contest, sponsored by Robert Haigh.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2018
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Tom Cunningham Poem
walking gracefully
with a pendulum movement ~
a herd of giraffes
the mass migration
crocodiles at the river~
food for the taking
gazelles are running
a hungry cheetah gives chase~
speed is the winner
a lone male lion
approaches a sleeping pride~
the battle begins
an elephant herd
arrive at the water hole~
use trunks to cool down
a swarm of locusts
devouring vegetation~
skeletal branches
army on the move
soldier ant battalion~
have left a scorched earth
vultures in the trees
animals weakened by thirst~
death is imminent
a downed buffalo
lions watch as herd returns~
bulls scatter the pride
basking in cool mud
the african river horse~
hippopotamus
laughing hyenas
find an unguarded carcass~
scavengers feasting
at the water hole
animals quenching their thirst~
alert for danger
a crash of rhino
hunted for their ivory~
extinction looming
a small antelope
found on the African plains~
cute looking dik dik
the baobab tree
silhouetted at sunset~
african icon
Written 13th May 2018
For best haiku poetry contest
Sponsored By Chantelle Ann Cooke.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2018
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Tom Cunningham Poem
In nineteen eighteen there was an outbreak of flu
Caused little concern, only affected a few
But it returned with a vengeance later that year
And the world over it caused widespread fear.
First reported in Spain, and around the world spread
When it was over, fifty million people were dead
Hospitals were stretched and they struggled to cope
For both young and old, there wasn't much hope.
It affected the lungs and caused skin to turn blue
Only comfort was given it was all they could do
In effect it caused people to suffocate
And continued to spread at an alarming rate.
People advised to avoid crowds and to wear masks
They struggled to perform even basic daily tasks
Remote areas in the world were affected too
By this airborne killer virus, the great Spanish flu.
Effort's were made to slow down this disease
But slowly and surely it brought the world to its knees
Shops opening times were staggered all over the lands
People strongly advised not to shake hands.
Undertakers were struggling to cope with demands
Families' buried loved ones with their own hands
Healthy men and women and children too
Were all falling victim to the great Spanish flu.
Because of World War One, doctors were few
And those that were available, many fell sick too
Temporary hospital's set up in schools or church hall
With many brave volunteers answering the call.
They closed many schools, services were hit too
With workers struck down by this merciless flu
Late nineteen nineteen the virus reached its peak
Immunity grew stronger but it still struck the weak.
Sadly mankind had suffered and paid a great cost
To the great Spanish flu with millions of lives lost
The pandemic was now over, survivors started to thrive
But were mournful of the millions who did not survive.
Written 4th April 2018.
( Dedicated to the fifty million people who died
in the Spanish flu pandemic in the years 1918 to 1919. )
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2018
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Tom Cunningham Poem
It's been ten long years now since that awful tragedy
When a stranger I didn't know, gave his life to save me
I was on the edge of the platform, when I had a heart attack
I clutched my chest in shock and fell forward onto the track.
I'd been working long hours and increasing my wealth
Oblivious to the fact that it was affecting my health
I was surviving on junk food and did little exercise
Every meal that I was eating came with extra fries.
I'd go drinking after work and sometimes go to see a show
And many times I'd skip sleep and head off to a casino
I was young and fairly fit but what I didn't know
Was that my heart was under pressure and ready to blow.
I slowly came to and heard someone shout "he's not moving"
A girl let out a scream as an express train was approaching
Then a man jumped onto the track and helped me to stand
Other commuters on the platform reached out to give a hand.
They dragged me onto the platform, I was grateful to be alive
Sadly my rescuer slipped and fell backwards and did not survive
The express train hit him head on; he was killed instantly
I learnt later that he left behind a wife, and a young family.
I spent three weeks in hospital and my treatment went well
My doctor discharged me, but it was the start of my living hell
I found out that my rescuers name was Jonathan Best
And I was called to give evidence when they held an inquest.
Witnesses described his actions on that day, as selfless bravery
And the coroner declared his death as an accidental tragedy
His wife was in the courtroom and was sobbing uncontrollably
And at the back of my mind I thought, he's dead because of me.
I struggled with feelings of guilt and was unable to cope
My life had became meaningless; I'd given up on hope
I left my stressful job and went to work in a store
It paid for lifes essentials because I needed nothing more.
Out of concern my friends urged me, to see a psychiatrist
I told them I don't need a shrink and did everything to resist
But I began to realise that I needed help, it was the only way
That deep guilt that I was feeling was not going away.
Survivors guilt is very real the psychiatrist told me
And I had with him long sessions, of intense therapy
Over time I got well and I felt better about my life
And found the strength to go and see Jonathan's wife.
She reassured me that in no way was I in any way to blame
That it was just a tragic accident and that I shouldn't feel shame
Every year I visit Jonathan's grave and thank him for saving me
And for me to lead a normal and healthy, life it had taken a tragedy.
Written 3rd November 2021.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021
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Tom Cunningham Poem
It's like a black cloak around our world bringing misery and death
Virologists are saying " you ain't seen nothing yet"
If only our leaders would look back, at how these viruses thrive
They'd have got answers in history books and many would still be alive.
It will soon be the norm for families each and everyday
To attend funerals of loved ones who have passed away
And while adults pay their respects and kneel down to pray
Children will get bored and around the tombstones they'll play.
Every country takes action their way and will not be told
If they follow the W.H.O. 's advice more would live to be old
But it's far too late now covid - 19 is thriving
While we fight the virus with emphasis on surviving.
Don't mix with others and steer well clear of the crowd
Or it might be you that will be covered with a shroud
To increase your chance of survival, ruthless you've got to be
Even keeping a safe distance from your own family.
Crime is now rife there's profiteering and panic buying
Not enough is being done and the death toll is rising
Some impliment soft measures that seem quite funny
They don't care about you it's all about the money.
We all need to take care singing from the same hymn sheet
Or it won't be too long before the army's on the street
People will get mean and desperate in order to thrive
Pushing aside the weak and vulnerable who'll struggle to survive.
Our health workers pushed to the limit administering care
While the selfish among us strip supermarket shelves bare
But others are doing good things for their fellow man
No one knows if they'll get ill so do good deeds while you can.
Written 21st March 2020.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2020
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Tom Cunningham Poem
just going to church every week ~ does not make you a better Christian
be grateful for everything that you have ~ because many have nothing
love and respect are not something that you can buy ~you have to earn them
our world leaders and politicians ~ do not bear the scars of battle
your clock of life is ticking and does not stop ~ do not waste a second
surely it is not the end of the world ~ if your team loses a game
always accept a gift ~ don't hurt someone's feelings by refusing it
the reward for kindness is the joy you bring ~ to someone else's heart
it is inevitable that you will grow old but think young ~ stay young
the only true winners in wartime ~are the arms manufacturers
machines make life easier ~ but cannot function without your input
Written 14th March 2021
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021
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Tom Cunningham Poem
I drove home from a party one winters night
I'd had quite a few drinks but I felt alright
It was pouring rain as I approached our town
My girlfriend said to me, "John will you slow down" .
I turned up the volume of my favorite song
And pressed hard on the pedal speeding along
I was oblivious to everything that lay up ahead
And failed to see a traffic light that was on red.
A blue car suddenly appeared right before me
I found out later it was a young man and his family
There was a loud bang as my airbag deployed
My first thoughts were my boss will be annoyed.
Next thing I knew there were blue lights all around
It was eerily peaceful there wasn't a sound
I just felt so tired all I wanted was my bed
Looked at my girlfriend and I saw she was dead.
The big shock of it all made me come to
I thought this is a bad dream; it can't be true
A fireman got me out; he had to cut the door
There was glass, metal and blood all over the floor.
Everything was surreal and I woke up in a cell
And this was just the start of my living hell
The four people in the other car they too had died
Along with my girlfriend, I just broke down and cried.
A week later I was in court and I heard a few jeers
The Judge showed no mercy and I got twenty years
Two witnesses were called and said I was to blame
And all I could do was just hang my head in shame.
I'm in prison now all my friends disowned me
And often get flashbacks of that awful tragedy
If only I had got a taxi and chose not to drive
Then those five people I killed would still be alive.
I have trouble sleeping; I just lie there at night
Thinking of a way to try and put things right
A year later I wrote a book telling my story
Called ,The Drunk Drivers Guilt by John.T. McCrory.
If it stops someone driving and having a drink
Or even makes a driver just stop and think
Then my book will have been worthwhile; every single word.
As a warning to others, making my mistakes heard.
Written 24th January 2020
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2020
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Tom Cunningham Poem
My training at Starfleet was over, they were now deploying me
I was over the moon when they called; I was full of glee
I entered the transporter room where I'd dematerialize
And within seconds I was aboard, the Starship Enterprise.
I was an expert on Klingonese; they needed me for interpretation
Their council leaders on Kronos wanted to join the federation
I unpacked all my bags and then put my things in storage
Then a message came through asking me to report to the bridge.
I caught the fast turbo lift that would take me up there
And the first person that I saw was Captain Kirk in his chair
He stood up to welcome me and to introduce me to the crew
Mr Spock from Vulcan, Ensign Checkov and Mr Sulu.
He then told me to sit down by the helmsman Mr Sulu
Who would show me the ropes and tell me what to do
I learnt very fast but there was an awful lot to take in
When I went off duty and lay down, I felt my head spin.
The next day I was introduced to the rest of the crew
Doctor 'Bones' McCoy, Mr Scott and Lieutenant Uhuru
I felt a bit out of place but they all put me at ease
And I was soon up and running and it became a breeze.
We were travelling at warp speed for the most part of our journey
And soon we'd make contact and they were relying on me
All my leisure time was spent studying, Klingon language books
I practised aggressive facial expressions, that brought me strange looks.
I went to the galley to advise them on what food to prepare
Along with blood wine and bregut lung meat that was raw and rare
Then I got a call from the bridge to come up right away
And when I got there, on the monitor were three Klingon birds of prey.
The Captain opened hailing frequencies then I stood up to speak
A senior klingon from the high council introduced himself as Jal' Zeek
In an aggressive manner I gave him, a welcoming greeting
And invited him on board ship for our very first meeting.
He was beamed aboard with advisors and to help lighten the mood
Was escorted to the galley, for blood wine and some food
For Spock and the captain I translated, everything that they had to say
And relayed the Klingons responses, things were certainly going our way.
After an exhausting five days, the meetings came to an end
The klingons no longer the aggressor, more like a trusted friend
The Federation and the Klingon empire had agreed a peace treaty
Captain Kirk was full of praise and said it was all down to me.
We were invited down to the surface for a trade deal to discuss
It went well trade was agreed that would benefit them and us
We beamed up and left Klingon orbit and were soon on our way
And I was looking forward to some shore leave back home in Monterey.
Written stardate 5-2-20-21.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021
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Tom Cunningham Poem
It was in late October in the year nineteen seventy three
That the war in South Vietnam was finally over for me
I boarded the seven o seven and couldn't wait to get going
A non military plane, a bright blue and white coloured Boeing.
After a long flight we landed at San Fran; no signs of jubilation!
I hailed a passing yellow cab to take me, to Oakland bus station
Went to the ticket office, checked in my gear and boarded the Greyhound
And after having been away for five years, I was now homeward bound.
I'd been with the special forces, working deep behind enemy lines
And I'd seen many of my close buddies killed, with antipersonnel mines
I'd become hardened to what I'd seen; and for my friends I couldn't weep
The drone of the Greyhounds engine made me drowsy, and I fell asleep.
My mind was like a coiled spring with no avenue for release
And I couldn't help but wonder, if I'd ever again find real peace
I'd see images of villages that had been taken over by the Vietcong
Who had massacred all the villagers; and they'd done nothing wrong.
After six and a half hours we arrived in leafy West Virginia
Only a few more miles to home, at my folks farm in Triadelphia
We arrived in town and I got off the bus, and headed for Dennys
It felt strange sitting at a table and not in the jungle on my knees.
I finished breakfast and then walked, the three miles to my home
Passed by the Patuxent River and noticed, the rapids frothy with foam
I arrived at the bottom of the drive and noticed our house chimney
And could smell the wood smoke burning and drifting toward me.
As I neared the house, I made a crunching sound on the gravel path
I heard my father shout out loudly "Who in Gods name is that?"
The door then opened wide and he stood there with a shotgun
Stared at me and with a trembling voice, he said "Is that you son?"
I dropped my heavy kitbag and we walked toward each other
Tears were running down his face and he called out for my mother
She came running out, stood in shock and gasped when she saw me
And said "Everyday I'd prayed, that you'd come home to your family.
" We had some army men come out to tell us that you had died
And there hasn't been a day since I heard that, I haven't cried"
I told her " I'd written a few times but my letters were never answered
But if I'd been listed as missing, then they'd have been censored"
I said "I'd lived in the shadows and we were like spectres in the mist
We were ghosts behind enemy lines and to many we didn't exist"
It had been quite an emotional homecoming, tears continued to flow
Could I forget the horrors I'd witnessed? maybe in time, I don't know.
Written on 17th June 2022.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2022
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