Robert Gorelick Poet Rhyme

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                                                                                                                          Danny Galieote

The Uss Arizona 12 7 41

I race toward my workspace, now battle station
Code Zebra, ASAP, batten down the hatches!
Ka-boom!  Boom!  Boom!  A trance-like sensation
Shipmates scramble for smokes and matches

Ray, Dale, and Russ don’t show
I think: run, jump; if you die, die free
Not trapped and sealed in steel below
Not buried alive like me!

Kaboom! Overhead bolts shoot from the seams
Above is a warm Hawaiian autumn
I’m weak as blood from my neck streams
Where am I now?  Of course, I remember

It’s noon, I have a date with a girl on the beach
She’s eighteen and a bit silly, like me
What a gorgeous sight, she’s now within reach
I’m so happy and complete, so free

7/12/22
Tears Of A Valiant Soldier Poetry Contest
Sponsor:  Faraz Ajmal

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Sotto Poet August 13, 2022 at 8:12 PM Robert, you did a wonderful job writing this. We are left altered by its strength, its anguish, and its metaphors. Many, many thanks for taking the time to leave a comment on my page.

Suzanne Delaney August 5, 2022 at 3:32 PM Hi Robert. Very poignantly written. I have nothing but respect for American service man. Could I direct you to two of my poems written about two ships I was invited aboard in Brisbane, Australia. The USS Columbia, and the USS Bonhomme Richard. Both poems were featured on their websites in 2003. Robert Gorelick August 13, 2022 at 12:56 PM I appreciate your comment SuZ. I have read "Goodbye Sun" and enjoyed it immensely. "We Have Not Yet Begun" I also really enjoyed. Godspeed, Robert Suzanne Delaney August 5, 2022 at 3:33 PM https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/goodbye_sun_482440 https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/we_have_not_yet_begun_482441 I would love your opinion on them. Best, SuZ

I Am Anaya July 24, 2022 at 1:58 PM I'm faving this, a fictional history based on raw facts. To be in his boots, a genuine tribute, young sailors, lost lives, Pearl Harbor! I choked up on the last stanza. Good luck in the contest ~Anaya Robert Gorelick July 25, 2022 at 3:03 PM It's my great honor to tribute American servicemen on that date which will live in infamy! Thank you, for the fave, Robert

Mystic Rose Rose July 20, 2022 at 3:30 AM I had to read it twice to get the meaning of it, the whole meaning. A fav in my book of personal selections by way of excellency x Robert Gorelick July 20, 2022 at 12:15 PM Thanks for the fav, and your complimentary response! Robert

Gershon Wolf July 19, 2022 at 8:45 PM 'So free' -- For you and countless hundreds of millions, the greatest generation gave their lives. I wish more people remembered. At ease, Gershon Robert Gorelick July 20, 2022 at 12:26 PM In war a quick death is usually preferable, it's the loved ones left behind who wind up suffering. Robert

Evelyn Judy Buehler July 19, 2022 at 8:17 PM Powerfully written, with sad, vivid images. A sorrowful chapter in history. Robert Gorelick July 20, 2022 at 12:31 PM Thank you, I am for delighted by your perceptive comment. Robert

John Loving Iii July 19, 2022 at 4:27 PM My imagination of soldiers that dont want to die alone. But look at the date. A day that shall live in infamy. A grave reaching from Here to Eturnity benieth the waves. a monument for the ages. A subject for a poets pen to ponder. Robert Gorelick July 19, 2022 at 5:39 PM Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and for the mention of the movie that revived Frank Sinatra's carrier. Robert

Ann Foster July 14, 2022 at 12:19 PM This was beautifully written. Power, sadness, and imagery that leaves you changed... Ann Robert Gorelick July 18, 2022 at 4:35 PM Thank you, Ann. Images of young sailors going down on the Arizona, have been haunting me. I enjoy your poems as well.

Victor Buhagiar July 14, 2022 at 10:27 AM Very emotional. That's what I like best. Robert Gorelick July 18, 2022 at 4:38 PM What happened on Pearl Harbor remains emotional to many Americans. Thank you, Robert

Harry Horsman July 13, 2022 at 1:44 AM Different Robert, and compelling. Robert Gorelick July 18, 2022 at 4:39 PM I believe it's important to think about what sailors and soldiers have to endure. Thank you, Harry, Robert

I Am Anaya July 12, 2022 at 8:06 PM Real war from ground zero--the trenches, really felt it Robert! Robert Gorelick July 18, 2022 at 4:40 PM I'm glad I was able to reach you, Anaya. Robert