Bob Quigley Poet Rhyme

Deployment

Deployment

We stand here in our small groups
Talking nervously
How I handle who I am
Is now all up to me

Our duffles are all neatly stacked
I hear the muffled din
While waiting for the sergeants call
“All right troops, let’s fall in”

My mind races with emotion
As I kiss my wife goodbye
I hug my daughter closely
And tell her not to cry

I put on my bravest face
Although I know inside
That as I turn to walk away
A part of me has died

I really want to look back
But dare not turn my head
I cannot dwell on what’s behind
I must focus on what’s ahead

We walk down the gangway
Moving toward the gates
Where soon we will all embark
On the aircraft that awaits

As we near other passengers
One person slowly stands
And I hear the sound of clapping
From a single pair of hands

And quickly, as if echoed
The sound begins to grow
Everyone applauding us
As slowly past we go

Hands reach out to touch us
Catcalls can be heard
We feel the power of their support
The adrenalin from their words

We are their sons and daughters
Their husbands and their wives
Who now must leave their comfort zone
And jeopardize their lives

I stand a little straighter
New emotions now inside
The fear and sadness I had felt
Is now replaced with pride

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Judy Ball June 24, 2011 at 4:45 PM Yes indeed, It's so hard to see them go, almost as hard for us to watch as it is for them to leave. We pray each day for their safe return. Good stuff here. God Bless, JB

Dr.Ram Mehta June 16, 2011 at 2:48 PM Creative and thoughtful write, Bob

Sylvia Coulstock June 16, 2011 at 8:42 AM Hi Bob-a great poem which I'm sure sums up the feelings of many who can identify with all that you have expressed.We must fight for what is right and all those that do this are to be admired for their courage.I cannot exactly understand not having had the experience but I can fully empathise with what they have to undergo and my heart goes out to them and to you.Your last verse is very apt and fully entitled.Poetically I found this easy to read and enjoyable,thank you Love (sylvia)-June Bob Quigley June 16, 2011 at 9:03 AM Thanks for the kind words. Kudos to our troops.