Letters From Afghanistan (Cowritten By James Fraser)

Dear Carolyn:
Another letter from another tour
In this place in the sand they call Helmand
This will be my last, for you can be sure
To never look back on these Afghan lands
 
          Dear James:
          It's been so long since I've felt your embrace
          Studied the constellations through your eyes
          Found joy in the manly features of your face
          Or recovered from our last sad goodbyes

Dear Carolyn:
Another two lost, one was my best friend
Before it's me, I pray my leave is soon
My heart is crying out, my hopes descend 
Is tomorrow my day, in deathly strewn
 
          Dear James:
          I've been praying so hard; surely you're safe
          The son I carry will have his Dad's smile
          I don't think God would orphan our young waif
          You must walk through our door in a short while

Dear Carolyn:
The joy in your letter, mother to be
Me a father, soon to be homeward bound
Grow with my kin in the land of the free
To thrive in peace on American ground

          Dear James:
          I think our boy will be a football star
          Perhaps he’s sending a message to Dad          
          Like Peyton and Eli he’s thrusting hard
          To have you and him here, I’ll be so glad

Dear Carolyn:
As James was preparing to say goodbye
Boarding the chopper to take him your way
Enemy aircraft dropped bombs from the sky
I regret to say this was James’ last day
          Commanding Officer Brannigan
          U.S. Armed Forces, Afghanistan
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
Harman Avatar
January 9, 2010 at 10:10 AM
I despise your politics, your religion, and your love of competitive sports. But i love you and your talent. I think i am giving up on poetry, with people out there like you, i need a hooby that i am the best at. You own the market.
Esquire Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Dear Carolyn, I'm mute I don't know what to say After reading this my Heart is shredded I lost many friends in Vietnam almost the same way I LOVE reading Both of YOU together there is a Poetic connection that flows very well together Amazing Work LOVE ALWAYS...H G
Lewis Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 11:28 AM
An oustanding collabo. I am glad I took the time to read the rhyme. Thanks for the love. God Bless.
Gass Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 7:08 AM
Awesome, incredible writing! This is such a tragic but beautifully written story that I know, sadly, many can relate to. You and James are both such wonderful writers and your combined talents are brilliant! Excellent poetry. Love, Robin
Kendrick Avatar
October 3, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Very emotional one to get to the hot poems list. Sara
Canady Avatar
September 29, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Good God Almighty... Well... This Will Be The Last One I Read Today... Because I Can't See For The Tears (a teary-eyed-smile) Yes and isn't it true unfortuntely... I can't even watch those war pictures with boo-hooing and this tore me up too... Great Write, You Guys... MoonBee
Dover Avatar
September 29, 2009 at 9:55 AM
The last line is so sad and the whole poem reads like a folk tale.your poems have such substance, a reality mine lack in my selfish meanderings.Thanks for the comment. Anthony
W Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 11:46 PM
oh my tears are flowing sad but powerful exellent work bravo.........kate
Goff Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 9:10 PM
strong read, well done, both of you.... jim
Orozco Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Tears fell from the soul, amazing powerful verse!
Ahmad Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No words to explain..... it is just BEAUTIFUL.... loved this one...keep writing, you are great!
Mcnaughton Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 4:37 AM
I cried reading this, My son was over there, but now home safely, also my 2 brothers. I like this writing very much, thankyou. xx
Nunn Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 8:16 PM
A touching write and a good one..Thanks for the words on Mexican Fence. I am 60, born and raised on a old ranch in NM. Have cowboyed pretty much up down and along the Mexican border most of my life. I have written a book called IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A CONSPIRACY. If people only knew what really goes on the border, it would scare them to death, they do not get that in the new...thanks Danny
Delacroix Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Well, you sure captured my heart with this poetic give and take. I took it literally at first. I cannot well describe the jolt this poem gave to my heart in the last stanza, brought tears to my eyes. Phew!! Great work! Caroline.
Loving Iii Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 4:19 PM
if people only knew the factuality of this, or how often this occures in the world.
Joseph Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 8:10 AM
wow, unbelieveable.
Higgins Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I just saw it and emailed it to a zillion friends..okay maybe a few less than zillion..thanks for the thought.
Guzzi Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 3:03 PM
yike a real tear jerker! good write! light & Love
Peranteau Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 6:29 AM
Carolyn & James,...this poetry really touches the heart so deeply ! You two poets really know how to capture the readers heart and soul ! Wonderfully writen and my heart goes out to those who are challenged with this demise of truth ! God bless the both of you poets ! For ever more ! james P.s,...Carolyn,..thank you for pointing out my last poem...I forgot the "X",..I did revise it . *smiles*
Strand Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 11:47 PM
the pathos glows from this original piece Carolyn/James.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments today
Lopez Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 8:00 PM
an incredible piece ...... great work between two great poets ........very nice my friends!
Kelly Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Super job , you 2 . Really well done with a most delicate subject matter : life / death /freedom ....
Kendrick Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 8:53 AM
This is a truth that our young men and women and old men and women are facing in the world today. Because reserves and national guard go to serve it is not just youth that gets sent. Nicely put together to express what many are feeling. Keep writing. Sara
Knop Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 7:37 AM
this goes really deep under my skin, Carolyn! Hopefully all troops will withdraw from there. The Taliban will never give up fighting. It would be much better for the troops to leave that country. Good writing! And thank you for your comment on Life is a Rose. Gert
Chircop Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 2:49 AM
ow my goose pimples,renched my heart out and going to my favs..in my neighbor country Italy 6italian soldiers just died in Afghanistan and i know many soldiers from many countries lose their life..like us soldiers too..when is this war gonna end?when are w egonna realize how short life is?you touched my heart and soul,two great writers--a favs CHarma
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