He Didn'T Make It Back

He sat down with a pen and paper,
   to write a letter in the heats vapor.

His wife at home tending to the kids,
   fighting a war the UN forbids.

His convoy was ready, about to leave,
   survival was low as his heart grieved.

The convoy was attacked, wiped out clean,
   his body found holding Kathleen.

The photo was burned within his hands,
   the government followed his commands.  

“If in the event that I am gone,
   deliver this note before next dawn. “

The military kept to this wish,
   delivered the note on a silver dish.

When she saw it she broke down and cried,
   as she read it her soul just died.

“If this note is delivered to you,
   then the end of my life is true.

I will always love you that’s for sure,
   As I wait beside heaven’s door.

I won’t go in the city above,
   I want to enter with my true love.

So don’t you worry about me,
   the difference is my soul is now free.

Tell the kids their daddy loves them,
   it’s not your fault please don’t condemn.

For only when the time is right,
    will you sprout wings and take flight.

I will be waiting for you to come,
   and tell our girl stop sucking her thumb.

Make sure they know who their daddy was,
   and watch our dog the small ball of fuzz.

Sorry I didn’t make it back,
   I know I promised you and Jack.

He is old enough to understand,
   we can’t see the Braves like we planned.

Make sure you take care of them for me,
   and take them to our old tree.

I love you baby even now,
   I will watch over you that’s my vow.”

By: Nathan Bane Leccese
© All Rights Reserved 05/23/2009

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Inspired by the song "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw
For "Music to Your Pen" Poetry Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009



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Date: 10/6/2009 12:33:00 PM
Nathan, congratulations on making the first round of the contest...Raul
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Date: 9/24/2009 12:55:00 PM
I have always loved this poem, Nate. Congratulations on being in the round-one finals! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 9/24/2009 12:13:00 PM
Nathan, congratulations in getting past round one of the competition, good luck mate >> James
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Date: 9/24/2009 12:01:00 PM
Congratulations on your 2 poems making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals Nathan. Love, Carol
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Date: 6/25/2009 11:06:00 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Nathan. May you have many more. Love, Carol
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Date: 6/25/2009 10:51:00 AM
Congrats Nathan on "He Didn't Make It Back" being featured. Good luck in the contest. Vince
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Date: 6/23/2009 1:49:00 PM
Congratulations on this beautiful featured poem. God bless. Ernilando
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Date: 6/22/2009 7:55:00 AM
Nathan - I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on having your poem featured this week – many blessings to you and those who share your heart – God Bless, MJ
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Date: 6/17/2009 9:30:00 AM
Very Touching.Practically In tears-Speechless.Good Luck:)
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Date: 5/27/2009 11:57:00 AM
Sad but impressive write, tear in the eye reading this Nathan, reminds me of a similar poem i wrote called " When you're gone" if you get a chance to read it, i would love to hear your comment, regards James
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Date: 5/27/2009 10:07:00 AM
So very touching. good luck, love, Kristin
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Date: 5/27/2009 7:32:00 AM
Hi Nathen A vivid picture you paint, each line breaks my heart over and over again. You sure know how to tug at our heartstrings. A deeply felt poem that is very well written. Best of luck in contest, though a winner either way in my book. Take care Love Light Truth Patricia
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Date: 5/27/2009 6:41:00 AM
Heartbreaking. Beautifully written. Good luck Nathan. Love, Shar
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Date: 5/26/2009 8:11:00 PM
This soldier's story is so sad, but I'm sure it is a scenario that plays out every week. It doesn't matter whether the UN sanctions a wor or not, the sacrifice demanded of our soldiers is always the ultimate one. Can't help think of all the wives and mothers who received notes like the one you describe. Beautifully told, Nate. Touching, moving and genuine. You have a gift for reaching our hearts. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 5/26/2009 7:44:00 PM
Just in time for Memorial Day...well done..BG
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Date: 5/26/2009 6:19:00 PM
That brought tears to my eyes, just absolutely beautiful in every way, so well written, a fantastic poem for the contest, a winner
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Date: 5/26/2009 5:50:00 PM
SO TOUCHING AND EMOTIONAL I STARTED TO TEAR UP BUT CAUGHT IT IN TIME CLASSIC PIECE NICE JOB
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Date: 5/26/2009 5:46:00 PM
This is brilliant brother..such emotions in those words..strong writing.
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Date: 5/26/2009 5:32:00 PM
You did this song justice....it breaks the heart, the song as well as your wonderful poem. Best wishes in your writing, Nathan. Love, Carrie
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