Edward Ibeh | + Follow Poet |
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Maelstrom

this is a story...

of courage
and heroism.
after agonizing months
in captivity, withstanding
the churning maelstrom
of unspeakable horrors
day in, day out;
frequently subjected 
to torture, mockery,
psychological warfare, etc,
the long-suffering prisoners of war
miraculously 
make a break to freedom.
the great escape, 
however, 
tasted too bittersweet
to celebrate.
all but one was accounted for
the seemingly impossible 
had to be done;
the intrepid soldiers 
decide to u-turn back
behind enemy lines
to rescue one of their own,
no matter the cost.
fully aware
they're embarking 
on a dangerous mission
that will suck them into 
yet another maelstrom of war: 
furious exchanges of gunfire -
they surge ahead nonetheless
they have no misgivings 
dying by
the "Leave No Man Behind" code,
they live by.


Writing Challenge - M words - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France
Theme/word chosen: Maelstrom
Date written: 03/20/2023

Copyright © Edward Ibeh | Year Posted 2023

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Constance La France Date: 4/3/2023 4:49:00 AM Edward, excellent writing and thank you for sharing your poem with us in my Writing Challenge congratulations , Login to Reply

Alfonso II Warally Ngengethe Mussabwa Chris Date: 3/22/2023 4:11:00 AM Congratulations on your top win , Edward. Wonderful poem Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:18:00 AM Thank you so much, Alfonso:-)

Sam Kauffman Date: 3/21/2023 10:12:00 AM Congratulations on your win Edward! You have chosen a theme that illustrates the way courage, commitment and honor lifts up the souls of men and all of mankind! We need continual reminders such as those illustrated in your words. Blessings to you! Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:17:00 AM Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback and congratulations, Sam:-)

Paula Goldsmith Date: 3/21/2023 9:28:00 AM Congratulations on your win. What a wonderful yet sad write/story. It is true for some. Have a great/blessed day writing away........... Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:16:00 AM Thank you very much, Paula:-)

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 3/21/2023 9:13:00 AM - A story we know - which is terribly sad, Edward - Congratulations on your win - hugs Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:16:00 AM Thank you so much, Anne-Lise:-)

Christuraj Alex Date: 3/21/2023 7:29:00 AM "dying by the "Leave No Man Behind" code, they live by" - A great tribute to the patriots. Congratulations! Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:14:00 AM Thank you very much, Christuraj:-)

Linda Alice Fowler Date: 3/21/2023 7:05:00 AM Nicely written for the brothers-in-arms Edward. A debt we can never repay. Congratulations on your win! :) Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:15:00 AM Thank you very much, Linda:-)

Speaks Volumes Date: 3/21/2023 7:00:00 AM Congratulations, A worthy winner. Best wishes. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:15:00 AM Thank you very much, Wendy:-)

Speaks Volumes Date: 3/20/2023 9:32:00 PM Tears. Knew two men that were Prisoners of war during the Vietnam war. What a terrible experience and to escape and be courageous enough to return for one left behind, unimaginable. A maelstrom of hate and fear and punishment and pain. I feel rigid and numb. This poem has great impact. Spellbinding. Horrendous. I am sorry, although it deserves it, I cant bring myself to make such a poem, my favourite. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 3/22/2023 5:19:00 AM Thank you so much for your kind words and perspective, Wendy:-)