Danny Derden Poet Elegy

Signed X's and O's

Signed X’s and O’s

Through the tears…despite my fears,
I’ll be back home again.
Though the war rages for endless ages,
I’ll be back home again.

Though I’m far away from you,
You have no need for concerns,
For my love remains true,
And my passion still burns,
And I’ll be back home again.

Though its dark and lonely here,
Thoughts of you keep me strong.
Being kept from you is my only fear,
But I know it won’t be for long,
And I’ll be back home again.

And though the time I must be away
Drags slowly on and on,
We both know there will come a day
When from this hell I’ll be gone,
And I’ll be back home again.

And though I say, “Don’t forget to pray,”
That I’ll be back home again,
And when I’m through, you’ll know it’s true,
‘Cause I’ll be back home again.

When it’s my turn to come back home,
It’s on the first plane I’ll be,
With no more desire to roam,
And it’s your lovely face I’ll see
When again I’m back home.

I’ll do what I must, 
And in God I trust,
While my service I complete,
Till I’m back home my sweet.

Signed with X’s and O’s--
That’s how the letter closed,
That the chaplain brought to her door.
A soldier back home never more…

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Deb M September 19, 2025 at 8:33 PM Danny what can l say….l never expected that ending whatsoever. I was enjoying the words and rhythm of your poem so much thinking this would make a great song and then Bam the ending totally took me by surprise and left me feeling so incredibly sad and so disappointed he never made it home! This poem is the work of a true poet Danny honestly! Excellent…..Debx Danny Derden September 20, 2025 at 5:20 AM When I started the work I didn't intend to end it like that...but somehow it seemed to write its own ending.

Duke Beaufort September 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM Danny, great job here. I marked this as a fave. Really impressive. I read it to my wife and started crying as I got to the conclusion. That's a powerful piece. Danny Derden September 19, 2025 at 4:45 PM After I finished I read it to my wife and she said "I knew that's how it ended before you finished." Honestly I didn't intend to end it that way...but as I worked the ending it was as if it JUST HAD TO BE THAT WAY...so that way it is.