Best Iwo Poems
#One should be cautious in starting a war, but
once begun, it should be carried out thoroughly#
#Quote by Hirohito circa Dec 1942#
Onslaught
As little boy fell over Hiroshima,
a demigod dismayed how it grew
Into a fat man above Nagasaki,
Hirohito said, so I’m the devil too
Both are one, and the same person,
to say otherwise is splitting atoms
When two suns appear overhead,
an emperors duality, cannot fathom
And necessary evil is a dubious sin,
willpower making its choice that day
Expedience worked saving millions
I’m firmly on the side of Enola Gay
Reckoning came, not a flash in the pan
for marching POWs to death, at Bataan
Also, Pearl harbour, Iwo Jima, Guam
Midway, Okinawa, Tarawa, and Saipan
Job’s done, the mission accomplished
a time to celebrate, peace be strong
our conscience does not need absolution
obliterated by belief, we did no wrong
Little Boy/Fat man, US code names
for the atomic bombs in WW2
Pick-A-Title, Vol 32 - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh
Prompt chosen Onslaught
07/11/22
Categories:
iwo, allusion, america, world war
Form:
Rhyme
The other day I sat beneath a sycamore tree on the court house lawn.
Old Glory fluttered in the breeze and to my eyes it was drawn.
It was tattered and frayed, I assumed, by the storms of many seasons,
But as I mused upon its state, could it have been caused by other reasons?
After all, it saw action in the Revolutionary War to create a new nation,
And suffered shot and shell in The War of 1812 ending foreign domination.
It flew over the Alamo and was drenched by the blood of courageous squads,
Who sacrificed their lives for independence, aware that they were against all odds.
Old Glory was unfurled for action in the Civil War in many a furious battle,
Mutilated by cannon fire and time and time again by the muskets rattle.
It was ripped by rifle fire as the Rough Riders charged up San Juan Hill.
To look upon it at their front must have given the Riders a comforting thrill!
It was torn asunder in the bloody trenches of France in World War One.
Though battered and torn it was held high at the battles cease for laurels won!
As its charred remnants were hoisted over Iwo Jima's blood soaked strand,
It unfurled to the cheers and tears of brave men who took a gallant stand!
Though the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and subsequent Desert Affair,
Took their toll on the old flag, it yet waves majestically with dignity and flair.
Though it has been spit upon and trampled on it still remains unfurled,
As a symbol of hope and a beacon of light for humankind about the world!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Categories:
iwo, patriotic,
Form:
Rhyme
Throughout history from time to time, our country has gone to war;
they called upon our brave young men to enlist and join the corps.
Some of the men were called by draft; while some enlisted on their own.
They displayed their courage, in either case, and made their presence known.
With the colonists discontent in ‘75 the American Revolution began;
the brave young men fought the British for the right to claim their land.
Over restricted trade rights in 1812, we went to war with Britain once again;
with much of the war, against their strong navy, fought on the bounding main.
The Spanish American War began in 1898 with the sinking of the Maine
The American victory gave Cuba its freedom from the mighty Empire of Spain.
Teddy Roosevelt and his brave Rough Riders charged up Kettle Hill;
The battle cries of the brave young men surely gave the Spaniards a chill.
The sinking of the Lusitania in 1917 brought us into World War I,
and the presence of our brave young men was felt before the war was done.
Our troops with “Black Jack” Pershing at the helm, into the war were lead,
and soon the German army knew, on the Americans they would not tread.
With Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December of ‘41,
Uncle Sam once again called its young men to gather and take up their guns.
From the sands of Iwo Jima to the beaches of Normandy,
they banded together and fought with great valor and won their victory.
Vietnam was a different kind of war, fought by the boomer generation;
And when the war was done the men came home facing an ungrateful nation.
They had banded together and bravely fought and 58,000 died,
and the brave men came home to an unruly mob, a nation with no pride.
If there a common thread in all of our wars, it’s the bravery of our young men;
they answered the call to take up arms time and time again.
They distinguished themselves as they fought with valor, many of them died,
and in our country we have lived in peace and that cannot be denied.
And to the brave men who gave their lives, we will be eternally indebted.
We will never forget what they did for us, their memories forever respected.
The bible passage from the Book of John, brings us to this end;
“Greater love has no man than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
Categories:
iwo, courage, dedication, hero, memory,
Form:
Rhyme
MEMORIAL DAY
June 1, 2015
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To all of you that have ever worn
"THE UNIFORM"
The Uniform of safety and security,
The Uniform of pride and liberty
THE UNIFORM OF FREEDOM
THE UNIFORM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANK YOU
Thank you to all, in every branch, in every time From:
1776 - 2015
The American Revolution
The Civil War (North or South)
World War I
World War II
Korea
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Panama
Nicaragua
The Falkland Islands
Somalia
Yugoslavia
Bosnia
Kuwait
Iraq
Afghanistan
Pakistan
The Persian Gulf
~~
War Zones and Battlefields, such as:
Lexington/Concord, Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Normandy, D-Day, Berlin, Tripoli, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, The 38th Parallel, The Bay of Tonkin, Me Lei, Hanoi, The Hanoi Hilton, Saigon, The Ho Chi Minh Trail, Baghdad, Kabul, Ground Zero Manhattan, Pentagon 9/11, a field near Shanksville PA.
and many many more,
(not all locations are listed with no dis-respect)
You are all Heroes and Role Models,
not for a Nation, for A Peaceful Planet
not for Americans, for all Humanity,
not only today this Memorial Day,
for all days and all days to come.
You are appreciated! because freedom has high costs
and you pay the price for all of us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Godspeed, safety and peace where ever you are.
Sincerely,
Warner C. Baxter Jr.
American Patriot
Scottsdale, AZ. U.S.A.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Semper Vigilo
Categories:
iwo, america, appreciation, history, holiday,
Form:
Death
In War
Die the Young
Suribachi
Flag
Categories:
iwo, dedication, history, inspirational, loss,
Form:
Lanterne
There have been times in our land
When our nation has had to take a stand.
It first began at Bunker's Hill
Where so many men were then killed.
All through that war with the British King
Men here in America were fighting and dying.
They were the first "Veterans" of the US,
When duty calls, there was always a surplus.
Always men of courage it takes it seems
Like those with Jackson at New Orleans.
There were "Veterans" who fought both South and North
When the country was split, her sons poured forth.
Healing those wounds would take some time
But in the end it came in line.
Of course no one remembers the row with Spain
Where America sent her men once again.
The "War to End All Wars" was more than a saying
As loved ones and sweethearts were left home praying.
Oh, Chateau Thierry, the Argonne, Belleau Wood and more
Are now in our history as battles of that war.
Then came the biggest war of all
When the world went crazy in '39's Fall.
Our "Veterans" were there too,
In Africa, Europe, and the Katmandu.
From Casablanca and Casserein on Africa's shore,
To Sicily, Anzio, Normandy, and the Bastogne's of that war.
The Pacific saw its share of death and hell
From the first bombs at Pearl Harbor to Gaudalcanal.
Many "Veterans" died at Iwo Jima, Saipan, Okinawa too,
They shed their blood for me and you.
After the end, we thought we might have some order,
Until the Communists in Korea crossed the border.
The Vietnam era was one of upheaval and race,
Some "Veterans" coming home even received a spit in the face.
For their part the "Veterans" were not to blame,
And for our country, it was a time of shame.
Dessert Storm and Dessert Shield put them in the MidEast
Where terror reigns with sate for a feast.
Yet, the soldier, sailor, or airman know,
If his country calls, he must go.
They follow the traditions of other "Veterans" you see,
They put their lives on the line for both you and me.
To the ones who have worn our country's uniform I say
"Thank You, Veteran", we should honor you with more than one day!
Categories:
iwo, dedication, history, holiday, life,
Form:
Couplet
PERSERVERANCE BREEDS SUCCESS
Jss One was an insult, I cried
Like time should hit full stop,
My breakfast was sweet without
Salt,
My parents tasted like this evil
Citrus,
I continued to hide like Air Force
Was only for my seniors.
Jss Two arrived with the wind called
Releave
I began to breath as an aspiring king
Now I believe the race would definitely
Finish.
Jss Three was the mighty season
Everyday had a sweet beginning
Suddenly the queen became pretty
As boys begin to fill big,
Every Sunday I was in the dining hall
To clean wasted beans,
The brown Khaki now fits my tiny skin.
Never did I forget the mighty JSCE.
Ss1, trousers became the big deal,
I was also a victim for every ss3's
Laundry,
Morning duty was almost ending,
Up keep of the latrine was attached to
Me.
Inter house games had huge meaning
These was the day to show all my special
Skills
And entice that pretty queen,
As we stroll through freedom tree
Dangling the box room's key,
My sunday wear now had this profound whitish Glimpse.
At ss2, I became a commissioned officer
I began to predict the whether,
Even during holidays, I dreamt of returning
To my headquarters,
In Jaguar I had two lockers.
In Dornier my friends sent invites for
Dinner
Alpha wasn't my regular signal,
She whipped me in basketball finals.
I measured my days and wised there
Could be an alternative taste
But JPE was the key to unlock ss3 dreams.
Been a finalist was like magic
Today I float on the atlantic
As I scream 'ONE BOY'
The hostel begins to panic
Ariku becomes my transit
I trained this special team of bandits
So I had a contraband producing factory.
The days now had wings
Time flew without traffic.
My ink recollect's like she was a five
Minutes conference meeting,
Many couldn't climb this Iroko
For sex seasons.
Today, am not only an ALUMNI
But an harden fresh corrosive lime
Ready to swim under river Nile's eye.
AFCS is high in the sky
With the flying colors that now
Leave in my life.
KEYWORDS:
Jss_ junior secondary
SS: Senior secondary
Jsce: Junior secondary certificate examination
Jpe: Joint promotion examination.
Ariku: A small town in Iwo,Ibadan,Nigeria.
Khaki: A thick brown material
AFCS: Air Force Comprehensive School.
HABIB AKEWUSOLA.
Categories:
iwo, artsweet, sweet,
Form:
Ballade
The end of May is coming . . .
When the nation celebrates Memorial Day.
Schools and offices are closed . . .
It's the summer's first holiday.
Do we remember why we celebrate today . . .
Or what the "Stars and Stripes" mean?
Do we ever remind our children . . .
Of where our flag has been.
From Bunker Hill to Yorktown . . .
And Tripoli to New Orleans.
From the Halls of Montezuma . . .
It has waved up in the breeze.
From Chateau Thierry to the Argonne . . .
Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima too.
From the Cassarein Pass to Messina . . .
From Anzio, Omaha Beach, Saint-Lo, and Bastogne she flew.
From Pusan to Inchon . . .
From Hue, Tan Son Nhut, and places with stranger names.
From the Mideast Gulf to Bagdad . . .
And then back home, again.
Are these just names in our history books?
I say, "Not at All!"
They are the reminders of the resting places . . .
For those who answered the call.
For Men carried the flag of our country . . .
Through shot and shell and murderous fire.
Some of them have never returned . . .
To their homes and heart's desire.
Look at the field at Arlington . . .
The Punch Bowl in Hawaii or the land in southern France.
Where white crosses grow in the countryside . . .
For those who did not get another chance.
And what of those who did come home . . .
Do we ever really think of them?
They too, gave a full measure of devotion . . .
They too, had our liberty to defend.
So on this day when we grill our burgers . . .
Or are giving the ballgame a view.
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanksgiving . . .
For those whose sacrifice made it possible for you.
THANKS TO ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY . . .
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Categories:
iwo, dedication, history, holiday, introspection,
Form:
Rhyme
We often hear America the
Beautiful being played
somewhere…
The Bald Eagle is the national
symbol of the United States…
There are many monuments
and memorials that play tribute
to many, Vietnam, World
War II, Korean, Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier, Iwo Jima,
Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt
and so many more…
There is Mount Rushmore,
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln,
Pentagon Memorials…
We also have a National Flower
that one being the Rose!
Memorial Day and every day
remember all those Monuments,
Memorials and there meanings,
never forget all those who
have given there life for
our Country…
By Sandra Lea Hoban
©2010
Categories:
iwo, war, , memorial,
Form:
Verse
A majestic Marine
Who was always was there
No other human being
Could possibly compare
No possible word
Could ever truly describe
For every mention of his name
My heart and eyes fill with pride
He was a United States Marine
Illustrious and respected
Yet he demanded none
He was always there
To protect his dear grandson
The last few years
Were Oh so agonizing to see
To watch a hero that once stood so strong
As solid as a tree
Crumble into a powerless
Helpless man
Yet he fought
As if on the shores of Japan
No matter how steep the slope
He never lost hope
It’s been
Two years and seven days
Since he passed in the fight
The only thing he would have said
Was "it’ll be all right"
Never was there a man
More worthy of the stars
He even had
A few battle scars
He fought at Iwo Jima
And Guadalcanal
And received the Purple Heart
On the island of Guam
He held so much respect
For the soldiers of foot
That his own role
He overlooked
When we converse
My parents hold true retention
The day I was born
Daddy Joe began to spoil me with attention
They said his heart
Was in another dimension
The most excruciating pain
I have ever known
Was watching my strong Marine
Whittle away to the bone
No possible word in diction
Could ever possibly explain
The gratitude I feel, to have
His blood in my veins
I love you Daddy Joe
Semper Fidelis
Written in loving memory and tribute to my grandfather Joel Allen Harris
MAH
Categories:
iwo, anniversary, childhood, family, friendship,
Form:
Ballad
Since the birth of this nation, we've heard the tramp of boots,
As men marched to the cadence of drums and dulcet flutes.
Soldiers have worn them to slog through sand, surf and mud.
Alas, too many boots have been stained with consecrated blood.
Boots have borne the battle from The Revolution to Civil strife.
Though torn and scuffed they've preserved our way of life.
Men's boots have trod the soil of alien lands about this world,
To rid peoples of bondage and to keep freedom's flag unfurled!
Weary warriors marched across Africa's searing desert sands.
Well-worn boots stamped out tyranny from those ravaged lands.
Sloshing through the surf of Iwo Jima and Normandy's rugged coast,
Bearing gallant and courageous men, those old boots can boast!
Boots that withstood the intricacies of close-order drill,
Steadied heroes in the bitter struggle for Pork Chop Hill!
Battered and dusty, they saw duty in many distant wars,
And they returned honorable heroes to America's shores!
A good Sergeant in charge of a company, platoon or squad,
Will insist that all of his troopers are properly shod.
Though many weary miles are hiked by disgruntled recruits,
They soon discover that their best friend is a pair of sturdy boots!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Categories:
iwo, war
Form:
Rhyme
You were a soldier with pride
Defending a nation
From forces of evil
You fought on the sands
Of a South Pacific land
You fought for an island
Owned by Japan
Our forces were strong
And you fought with great might
The island of Iwo Jima
You would take that night
Though death was around you
You faltered not
You fought with bravery
You knew not how to stop
Victory was yours, your brothers
Your friends
A victory that death will make
You forever live
You helped our nation
Win the war
That one tiny island
Was one Great reward
You gave your life
Or maybe not
Regardless your destiny
You fought a great fight
Sixty years has now
Come and gone
But we are still proud
Of the bravery you have shown
Dedication
To my grandfather, Jack Madison Fluitt, a United States Marine Corp. Raider who fought the
battle of Iwo Jima. You are gone now but we remember your life with much pride and honor.
To all the other soldiers who fought at Iwo Jima or any other battle of World War II,
thank you for our freedom. We owe our lives to you.
©March, 25,2005 Kimberly Fluitt
Categories:
iwo, wardeath, death, life, world
Form:
Another day is o'er, the sun sinks slowly in the west.
I stroll upon hallowed ground, where heroes lie at rest.
The clarion, yet somber notes of "Taps" echoes across the way.
I pause to contemplate the serene expanse where brave soldiers lay.
Marble stones perfectly arrayed, each etched with a patriot's name,
In remembrance of his service, each deserving the nation's acclaim.
Others contain the poignant phrase, "Known But To God Alone."
'Twill be en scribed in The Book Of Life, "He died for wrongs to atone."
Yonder lies a soldier who stormed Normandy in June of forty-four.
Near him a young marine, who died on Iwo Jima's shore.
I kneel at the grave of an airman who died flying his fighter plane.
There's a coast guard lass who guarded our shores plying the briny main.
On yon knoll lies a sailor who died in the Pearl Harbor affair.
As I stroll about and ponder, for each I offer a thankful prayer.
Heroes of all creeds lie side by side in manicured plot,
All a brave band of brothers and sisters, rank here matters not.
Myriad untold stories are buried with these guardians so brave,
Now forfeited with the young lives they so freely gave.
Treasured memories that their children and grandchildren will never hear.
They sacrificed all on the Altar of Honor for all we hold so dear.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
Categories:
iwo, sad
Form:
Rhyme
He is just a memory, a long forgotten hero
Someone who gave his all before he died
No one to come home to, no waiting arms
And no woman to walk by his side
He went to the service of his country years ago
When they needed some bodies to go and fight
He gave his all, yes he answered the call
And fought for what he thought was right
Now his memory is forgotten, along with his service
A service to God, country and family
He died on that island called Iwo Jima
And went down like that old history
Just an old forgotten hero like an old forgotten dog
In an old forgotten part of the world
He was buried there with honors back in the forties
As the wind flapped the stars and stripes that swirled
An old forgotten hero that was fighting for freedom
And who lays in the ground still and cold
Waiting for the master to come and raise him up
Then his story will finally be told
Categories:
iwo, war,
Form:
Free verse
AMOKE MI
Amoke omo Iya Eleko,
When Maami re return at dusk,
From the rustic hustle of life
Tell her, tell her, I say tell her,
Tell her you have stolen it,
That golden Agbada your father,
Inherited from his father's lineage
And gave it to Prince Adeniyi your love.
Ayaba the King's pride,
I am the royal labalaba
Destined to lay on your virgin Ododo
It's the food for the king.
Amoke mi owon,
Don't forget to meet me under the great
Iroko oluwere's tree
Don't forget to come with the lighted Atupa,
There where we shall cuddle endlessly,
There where we shall kiss passionately,
There where we shall romance soul and mind.
When I am made the king,
And ascend the throne of my fore fathers
You shall be there by my right,
Bearing my royal name
Olori Oba Adedamola Adeniyi
Let the blood of royalty speaks in you.
Ololufe mi, eni bi okan mi,
Anywhere Igbin goes,
It's always with it's Ikaraun
Mo se ileri pe N oni ja o kule
Iwo ni o je Iya fun awon omo mi
N o si nife re titi lai lai.
©Adedamola Quadri Adeniyi
All Right Reserved 2017.
Categories:
iwo, addiction,
Form:
Ode