The Scent of Water

He was a large soldier, standing well over six feet.
In World War II; imprisoned in the Philippines.
Thousands perished on the Bataan Death March.
They were brutally beaten; starved and parched.

Wanting to give up, during this sixty five miles.
Thoughts of his wife, Helen; her beautiful smile.
They had vowed to be each others help mate.
He would press on, with a slow, painful gait.

Knowing she was praying for him gave him strength.
Tho thousands of miles apart, their hearts still linked.
Their marriage, like the oak tree; its' roots were very strong.
He was a skeletal seventy-eight pounds when he returned home.

When he was certain he could simply go no farther.
His lovely wife Helen became his scent of water.



*This is a true story about one of my husbands cousins, Helen and her 
husband. She has dedicated her life to helping find POWS or their remains. She 
works tirelessly and has helped numerous families. I am honored to know her. I never knew him. He had gone to heaven before I met my husband. 


July 16, 2014
Contest: Scent of Water
Sponsor: Faye Gibson

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 7/29/2014 12:25:00 PM
Arlene, you are wonderful when it comes to contest.. I've missed so much on here, A wonderful scent and win. <3 Congratulations, in Faye's "Out Of Water" contest... Always ~ Linda ~
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Date: 7/24/2014 8:02:00 PM
Your poem was one of my favorites on the list, Arlene. I agree with what connie said to you! Congrats, dear.
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/24/2014 8:24:00 PM
Thank you so much, sweet Andrea!... Hugs to you.. Arlene
Date: 7/24/2014 3:52:00 AM
I love it when poetry immortalizes a true story. It is there for future generations to remember. A lovely tribute and wonderful win Arlene. Congratulations!
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/24/2014 6:22:00 AM
Thank you so much, sweet Connie!... Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/24/2014 2:37:00 AM
N back again wid huge congrats my dear friend Arlene!
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/24/2014 6:21:00 AM
Thank you so much, dear Upma!... Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/23/2014 7:48:00 PM
Congratulations dear Arlene, my friend.. :) your poem a little sad and tragic but wow how great is love when it moves truly.. :)
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/24/2014 6:19:00 AM
Thank you, sweet Olive..I long for a day there will be no more wars to write about.. Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/23/2014 4:35:00 PM
WOW, that this is a true story only accentuates the depth of love that could sustain them both through the unknowing years. Thank you for this tribute to them both for their service.
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/23/2014 5:44:00 PM
Thank you for the visit and sweet comments, John my friend.. Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/23/2014 4:24:00 PM
Lovely though sad tribute to an honourable man and marital love. Well done, Arlene! Congrats on your merited win. // paul
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/23/2014 5:43:00 PM
Thank you so much, Paul my friend.. Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/23/2014 4:15:00 PM
Hi, I am so pleased you got a chance to express your feelings for this brave man through this emotionally inspired poem. Beautifully written Arlene. Congrats on your placement. All the best Theresa xx
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/23/2014 5:42:00 PM
Thank you so much, sweet Theresa.. I consider it a privilege to honor our brave soldiers.. Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/23/2014 12:26:00 PM
Thank you, Arlene, for entering your poem in my contest. It is a beautiful story of undying love. Congratulations on the winning placement. Faye
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/23/2014 12:44:00 PM
Thank you so much, dear Faye, for both the sweet comment and for the placement.. Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/17/2014 8:56:00 AM
Mans inhumanity to man. What more can be said. You have paid wonderful tribute to this man and his wife. The depths of love can be as deep as a well. Peace. :)
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/17/2014 9:13:00 AM
Yes, dear Robert.. Seems this "civilized" world has as much savagry as ever... Hugs and peace to you my friend.. Arlene
Date: 7/17/2014 5:51:00 AM
Loved this exclusive true write Arlene,, good luck to u dear!
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/17/2014 6:38:00 AM
Thanks, sweet doc. ... Hugs.. Arlene
Date: 7/16/2014 11:33:00 PM
I love this for being based on a true story. Wow, he sure endured a lot. WEll done.
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Arlene Smith
Date: 7/17/2014 6:37:00 AM
Thank you, dear Andrea.. Most didn't survive that hellacious march.. Hugs.. Arlene
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