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

Poem

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A   Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 12:25 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 ~
Dietrich Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 8:02 PM
Your poem was one of my favorites on the list, Arlene. I agree with what connie said to you! Congrats, dear.
Smith Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 8:24 PM
Thank you so much, sweet Andrea!... Hugs to you.. Arlene
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 3:52 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!
Smith Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 6:22 AM
Thank you so much, sweet Connie!... Hugs.. Arlene
A. Sharma Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 2:37 AM
N back again wid huge congrats my dear friend Arlene!
Smith Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 6:21 AM
Thank you so much, dear Upma!... Hugs.. Arlene
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 7:48 PM
Congratulations dear Arlene, my friend.. :) your poem a little sad and tragic but wow how great is love when it moves truly.. :)
Smith Avatar
July 24, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Thank you, sweet Olive..I long for a day there will be no more wars to write about.. Hugs.. Arlene
Lawless Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 4:35 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.
Smith Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 5:44 PM
Thank you for the visit and sweet comments, John my friend.. Hugs.. Arlene
Callus Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 4:24 PM
Lovely though sad tribute to an honourable man and marital love. Well done, Arlene! Congrats on your merited win. // paul
Smith Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 5:43 PM
Thank you so much, Paul my friend.. Hugs.. Arlene
Stephens Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 4:15 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
Smith Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 5:42 PM
Thank you so much, sweet Theresa.. I consider it a privilege to honor our brave soldiers.. Hugs.. Arlene
Gibson Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 12:26 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
Smith Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 12:44 PM
Thank you so much, dear Faye, for both the sweet comment and for the placement.. Hugs.. Arlene
Johnson Avatar
July 17, 2014 at 8:56 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. :)
Smith Avatar
July 17, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Yes, dear Robert.. Seems this "civilized" world has as much savagry as ever... Hugs and peace to you my friend.. Arlene
A. Sharma Avatar
July 17, 2014 at 5:51 AM
Loved this exclusive true write Arlene,, good luck to u dear!
Smith Avatar
July 17, 2014 at 6:38 AM
Thanks, sweet doc. ... Hugs.. Arlene
Dietrich Avatar
July 16, 2014 at 11:33 PM
I love this for being based on a true story. Wow, he sure endured a lot. WEll done.
Smith Avatar
July 17, 2014 at 6:37 AM
Thank you, dear Andrea.. Most didn't survive that hellacious march.. Hugs.. Arlene
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