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Salute the Soldier

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May-15- 2025
Memorial Day Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Oliver Mckeithan
~Placed Second~

 

Charged with a fiery spirit, full of valour, To protect the nation from rival force, Volunteered to join the armed troops Knowing well all risks, sans remorse. Plucked away from hearth and kin, Often had to dwell in lands unknown. For daring and diligence, laurels he had won, Ever confronting foes, lived a life forlorn. Lay in ambush in dingy trench, Crossed swords with formidable might, Starved to death in enemy camps, Fought with verve for country’s right. All through service, knew no rest. Ease and comfort, he had none. To drill and discipline, he was wed. Life’s winsome pleasures, he did shun. Bravely bared his manly breast, Before triggered guns and flying bullets. Shed out drops of sweat and blood, To save the nation from rival blasts. Now back home, wounded and hurt, Life is limping without hope. The sky is dark, not a ray of light near. No one around to serve as prop. Winds blow fierce striking fear, He struggles to make both ends meet. Through long and lonely roads, he walks. All he sees is the stark grimace of defeat. Even his close family turns a cold face. So painful it is that all seem to ignore. A hollow emptiness now fills his space. Who would care a cripple back from war? Back from warfront, he still lives in a minefield. Look into his heart robbed off love and worth Shouldn’t we alleviate his sense of pain and fear And help him live in dignity until his death?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/22/2025 10:58:00 AM
Sometimes the soldiers we support misunderstand what they represent!!!
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Date: 5/22/2025 10:55:00 AM
I want to take a page out of your book my friend, those who rob , steal and kill in the name of of God , no matter what form it is or they claim it to be shall be punished, I thought about your comment to me and 100% agree…
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Date: 5/21/2025 11:10:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, your poem of compassion deeply touches my heart. Your use of impactful words give a depth to the sense of loss of critically wounded soldiers! This poem is so personal. Congratulations on your top win, dear friend. Blessings and hugs to you!
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Date: 5/19/2025 11:33:00 PM
A hearlt-felt tribute to those who fight, suffer and sacrifice for us. Congratulations.
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Date: 5/19/2025 6:42:00 PM
Congrats on your placement in my contest Valsa. I like the inclusion of the picture and the way your poem ends. The answer is we should.
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Valsa George
Date: 5/19/2025 10:41:00 PM
Thanks a lot dear Oliver for the great placement you gave for my poem.
Date: 5/15/2025 4:22:00 PM
Pstd is a big problem. But the VA is trying to get them into support groups to talk it out. I saw a documentary on men who fought in WWI. They were a different breed of men. They didn't show lots of emotion like men today. In any case, war really sucks. Well done
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Date: 5/15/2025 12:02:00 PM
Yes we salute the men who are hear and remember those who have died. In a way PTSD seems close to death. Good job. I haven’t been able to write this one yet.
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Date: 5/15/2025 7:38:00 AM
Quite a deep if sad poem. War does not solve anything. It cause death, injuries and psychological damages.
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Date: 5/15/2025 3:28:00 AM
War is hell! Nothing more or less. Sadly, too few serve, and too many reap benefits from the sacrifices of brave young men and women. There are no atheist in Fox Holes. Here in the US, politicians give steaks to friends...and leave our injured brave men and women, to do much survival all on their injured own. Disgraceful!
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Date: 5/15/2025 2:21:00 AM
- The war is not over even if the soldier comes home - Every day several hundred soldiers die, and even more will come home again and face everyday life with injuries, both visible and invisible - Many carry them with them for the rest of their lives - A deeply sensitive poem of the naked truth, Valsa - Salute the soldier ! - hugs
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Date: 5/15/2025 1:14:00 AM
Sigh, this piece is so aching and can move anyone's soul to tears, thinking about the painful and incessant agony those warriors have to go through! They sacrifice and devote their lives for the nation and all the citizens, placing everyone's safety above their own. They are the reason that we are able to sleep safe and sound at night! And after the effects of war, when their soup needs love and care from family, it's disheartening to know that it happens the other way sometimes... You've depicted that in such a powerful way dear poetess, and especially this line made me feel so many vulnerable emotions "Back from warfront, he still lives in a minefield" That's so deep! Brilliantly done as always, pleasure reading your work today, keep shining and writing always ~
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