Tearful

“Give them back! Give my tears back, right now—with interest!!”
—Natsuki Takaya


She wrote her marine a letter, hopeful, bright loved with her kisses and perfume. In sight, the postman circles ‘round. Expectantly, she hurries to the wooden box, near the Pear tree. Spring is in the air with robins mating, daffodils in potent bloom and the sudden goosebump’ chills. Sarah shuts her bedroom door, pounces on bed, allows steam to open the envelope, read what’s said. “Dear Sarah, soon I go into the fight, I will write more later, after the attack. Kiss kiss, x x, hug hug score.” Later he continues with blood, sweat and tears. Incoherently, blots - black and blue, slide down. Fears march up and down her spine. Vietnam’s magic trick was to steal her joy and love. America’s turning quick - long ere, a neighbor, fathomed regress from her guy, which would rip the torrential tearful cloud of her eye.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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La France Avatar
April 23, 2024 at 5:22 AM
Kim, congratulations on your win in my contest with this outstanding poem, I love the quote too, Constance
Beaufort Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 11:39 AM
Kim, I feel this sadness and it brings tears to my eyes. How many times this story has repeated then and since then. Sadly it was for naught. I have noticed that the protests we had during that period have ended. I think it was the end of the draft and moving to a volunteer army. That removed some incentive for peace and I think that was a mistake. In fact, we should send our president's children and congressional children to war first. If they would go, so would I. It would indicate something.
Rodrigues Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 2:57 PM
When our son told us he might volunteer to go to Iraq, we were scared but thought if other peoples kids… He didn’t end up going. I agree with you.
Goldsmith Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 10:17 AM
Congratulations on your win. Your "Tearful" is a powerful write. As they say, war is hell/it is...  Have a blessed day/weekend writing away.................
Rodrigues Avatar
March 15, 2024 at 11:49 AM
Thank you, Paula!
Baker Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 5:45 PM
Very accurate feelings of the one left behind during war, Kim. My wife spoke of many days and nights like the day you described so well in this poem. On my end, it was mostly fear of dying and loneliness. We made it through it and are blessed to be alive and well. The ones not wounded generally just suffer mentally from time to time. Thank you for exposing the horrors of war time separation. A FAV for my list! Have a great week! Bill
Rodrigues Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 6:09 PM
On your end that is rough! Thank you for your service, Bill!
Hamilton Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 2:11 AM
Hi Kim so sad are wars and take so much in many ways You capture very well the dread when someone we know fights for their country and way of life we owe them so much and our governments can be remiss in after care. Well written poem and a fav hugs Shadow
Rodrigues Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 5:21 AM
What you’ve said is true. We owe them much who put their lives in harms way for us. Thank you, my friend! Glad you are back with us! Hugs
George Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 8:44 PM
Life is one of unprecedented occurrences. Sara must have opened her dear one's letter with hopes galore of some happy tidings. But alas, she received news of his going to the warfront with no hopes of coming back... ! Poor Sara. Around us, there are many such tearful Saras. Great entry, dear Kim
Rodrigues Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 5:16 AM
So true. Our human experience causes us to recall and care even about past happenings and indeed to thank our veterans today. Blessings
Wolf Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 7:59 PM
The roller-coaster reality of love and war tugging at each other before the digital age. Seems so far away now. But OH, was it ever real. Poignant penning, Kim. Thanks, gw
Rodrigues Avatar
March 13, 2024 at 5:17 AM
Thank you, Gershon! Hugs
One Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 1:10 PM
Your poem poignantly captures the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist as she grapples with the fear and uncertainty of not knowing whether her lover will return safely. The mention of Vietnam and America's involvement in the conflict adds historical context, emphasizing the widespread impact of war on individuals and communities.
Rodrigues Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 3:10 PM
Thank you, Silent, for your comment with emphasis on Vietnam and America’s involvement. Sadly the boys did not arrive to compassion, but now we honor them.
Calasibetta Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 9:53 AM
I think many of us remember the tremendous losses endured by our loved ones. A beautiful poem in remembrance of a time stained in blood and tears. Blessings, Paulette
Rodrigues Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 12:03 PM
Thank you, Paulette! Blessings ~ Kim
Bayles Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Very emotional.
Rodrigues Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 12:03 PM
Thank you for your comment. Yes, can’t imagine…
M  Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 6:35 AM
Touching and sad Kim….beautifully told! Debx
Rodrigues Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Thank you, Debx
Hind Avatar
March 11, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Another gifted poem of yours- The Vietnam war was awful.
Rodrigues Avatar
March 11, 2024 at 6:07 PM
Truly…and every war is. I watched the series “The Pacific,” and one man was digging a trench, screamed, jumped out of the hole - there was a dead body. His commander tells him to keep digging, this whole Island is a graveyard. I can’t even imagine!!
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