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Dizzy Still Fights

he fought for his country
the freedom of others
and the will to survive
the compounds of war

his friends called him dizzy
because he could spin circles
around thoughts in their heads
while sipping on gin
from tarnished bottles
in smoke filled poker halls

retirement  was an afterthought
to survival,  when dodging bullets
in never ending wars
that now raid his mind
much like enemies
looking for a prisoner of war
to take back as some trophy

he was never rewarded
for the life he lived
he carries instead scars
resting above his wooden leg
unseen, like his heroic actions
and him as he walks along
alone in a society
that has forgotten his name


august 16, 2019
Bring a character to life Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Richard Lamoureux

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Jeanne Mcgee Date: 9/8/2019 8:14:00 AM A sad but true story that represents so many of our heroes of wars. Congrats on your podium win. Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 9/8/2019 11:23:00 AM Thank you Jeanne...it is sad, they sacrifice so much for us and get nothing in return and often are forgotten... hugs :)

Richard Lamoureux Date: 9/8/2019 12:52:00 AM Hi Sandra, soglad to see your name on the winners list. Thanks for entering this piece.well done. Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 9/8/2019 11:22:00 AM Thank you Rick and thank you for hosting another unique contest :) hugs

Tom Cunningham Date: 9/7/2019 4:41:00 PM Have seen it happen here too Sandra, scarred physically and mentally and not much help given, but we owe them so much. Congrats on your win. Tom Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 9/8/2019 11:21:00 AM it's sad, it happens everywhere.... we owe them for sure...hugs :)

Beautiful Scars Date: 9/7/2019 2:55:00 PM this one is the best I've read so far. i struggled sooo hard with this contest for some reason, and you always seem to find the perfect words. great job sweet Sandra :)-luloo Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 9/8/2019 11:20:00 AM aww thank you....i too struggled with this one, and then one day it just came to me...wasn't my best work, but i always doubt my own poems at times :) hugs

CayCay Jennings Date: 8/19/2019 2:05:00 PM I have yet to read Richard's poem but I don't think I need have done that in order to KNOW this is picture and feeling painted thoroughly for view and emotional impact. A write to be proud of. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/19/2019 4:25:00 PM Thank you so much CayCay...i hope you give his contest a try :) hugs

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 8/19/2019 5:57:00 AM - They didn't just fight in a war ... they fought a whole life - A strong and moving poem - Best wishes in the contest, Sandra :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/19/2019 4:24:00 PM Thank you Anne-Lise, so very true... most gave their life, whether to death or to loneliness...but all gave their life for us! Sad .... hugs

Christopher Flaherty Date: 8/18/2019 8:34:00 PM Hi Sandra Especially loved because its so true and poignant the line. He was never rewarded Brill cheers Chris Login to Reply Christopher Flaherty Date: 8/20/2019 4:48:00 PM Agree very very sad indeed. Love the quote i think it goes. If you are not willing to get in front of your Soldier's. Then Get behind them Sandra Adams Date: 8/19/2019 4:23:00 PM Thank you....yes sadly it's true so often of war vets...sad to see~

Silent One Date: 8/18/2019 4:43:00 AM You really brought the character to life... great choice for this contest... Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/18/2019 6:32:00 AM thank you my friend :) hugs

M. L. Kiser Date: 8/17/2019 6:06:00 PM Sad that we forget those who have done so much for us all. Beautifully penned dedication. Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/17/2019 8:20:00 PM Thank you M.L. I agree....so many forgotten by the same government they went to bat for....sad.... hugs :)

Caren Krutsinger Date: 8/17/2019 9:05:00 AM Sandra, this poem is fantastic. For it tells how it feels to be "forgotten". " he was never rewarded for the life he lived he carries instead scars resting above his wooden leg unseen, like his heroic actions and him as he walks along alone in a society that has forgotten his name" - we all become "unseen" at a certain age. Sadly enough. So well done! Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/17/2019 8:19:00 PM thank you Caren...i often see a man on my bus route walking his dogs with a gimp, you can see as he walks one leg is metal or something...it always makes you wonder what their story is.... hugs :)

Ralph Sergi Date: 8/17/2019 8:22:00 AM Hi Sandra: When we die we are eventually forgotten unless we leave a legacy. Very emotional poem. My compliments! Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/17/2019 8:40:00 AM many are forgotten before death as well, but yes once we die we are forgotten by many... thanks for taking the time to read and comment... hugs :)

CayCay Jennings Date: 8/16/2019 11:14:00 PM Heartbreaking because it is all too real. I would think none ever knew his name at all but it's certainly fine as is, you ARE the writer. This poem represented millions of men and that's just since 1900. If I ponder the reality of the layered emotions in your write, I'll cry so I'm trying to keep my comments on my surface responses! All the best to you in the contest and all else ... CauCay Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/17/2019 7:51:00 AM we never know their names until perhaps after their death when they have a banner hanging from a light post in the town they grew up in, or the name etched in stone at some memorial of the wars they fought... thanks for the wonderful comment Cay Cay :) hugs

Vijay Pandit Date: 8/16/2019 9:19:00 PM I agree with Connie..WOW!! Your two ending lines tell the essence of the story..the aftermath of war is so devastating for so many..you gave them a voice..you wrote a winning poem, Sandra. Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/16/2019 9:42:00 PM Thank you... it seems when many returned they didn’t have much of a life and had a hard time getting jobs and living in the society they left! :)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 8/16/2019 5:20:00 PM Wow Sandra! Richard is going to love this spectacular entry. Sadly too many heroes never get the recognition they deserve. An Excellent entry Sandra. I am sure to see this at the top of the winner's list! xxoo Login to Reply Sandra Adams Date: 8/16/2019 8:43:00 PM Thank you Connie, different from my usual writes for sure.... after reading Rick’s poem this came to mind. Hugs :)