Aspects and expectations of color,
be amethyst, be the best, reenlist,
sensory seizes sparks stimulator.
Be lavender and sweeter, forever,
be cerise and release your masterpiece,
aspects and expectations of color.
Be amber then enter to surrender,
be tourmaline, my dream still-ravish-cease,
sensory seizes sparks stimulator.
Be sapphire and satisfy the desire,
be white in your flight and be the moon's cheese,
aspects and expectations of color.
Be copper, chart-topper and showstopper,
be, Xanadu that perfect hue, true tease,
sensory seizes sparks stimulator.
Be ivory, more finer, best primer,
be, turquoise, and make with the noise, puh-leeze.
aspects and expectations of color,
sensory seizes sparks stimulator.
Categories:
reenlist, allusion, analogy, appreciation, color,
Form: Villanelle
The sailing ships above my head,
unimageable shapes navigating through,
as I walk the lonely stretch of the beach.
Memories stir chapters of the past.
I always wondered what my life would have been
if I took a different course, then the one I took.
That day the colors fanned out and whiffed
of redolence unmistakable that Spring had arrived.
The sound of the train had wakened me up that day
from thought as I waited for him at the station.
A considerable distance, listing to recurrent rumbling roar
of the train's vibration snaking on the rail score,
metal wheels rhythmic clatters over the rail ties the closer it neared.
He stood still for a minute before he stepped off the train.
He was tall, alluring sculpted body, in a dark brown suit
and Stetson hat, short lace up Oxford shoes; a gentleman.
He was a man I had met while in the service.
We spent a couple of weeks enjoying each other’s company,
but the joy of it wasn’t enough.
He decided to reenlist again, applied for Officer Candidate School.
I didn’t see him again.
His image still imprinted in my mind.
3/8/2023
Categories:
reenlist, memory,
Form: Free verse
The dog’s bark alerts you to the mail
and you rush to the door heart in hand.
For you’re hoping you'll get a letter
nervously twirling your wedding band.
The envelope wafts a hint of musk
that transports you back to his parting.
And the fight you had... “Why reenlist?”
you had argued, acid tears smarting.
Your heart's pounding in trepidation
and fueling anxiety's climb.
Yet both the anger and flow of tears
have decreased with the passage of time.
Reading his letter a smile appears
joined by more as his words set them free.
For inked by a soldier in Iraq
a man in pain pens a heartfelt plea.
Sorrowful feelings flow from the page
weeping and beautifully expressed.
And yet in the depths of your being
you’re still hurting and feeling depressed.
You devour every sweet nuance penned
each succulent slice of candied hope.
And though time's something you can’t turn back
borrowing his strength you try to cope.
Yesterday a letter trimmed in black
brought news you dreaded getting for years.
For it said he'd been “killed in action"
its typed message smeared...In pools of tears.
Categories:
reenlist, angst, appreciation, bereavement, emotions,
Form: Quatrain
Duty Does Call
Veterans are people who represent us all
As each and every day of duty does call
Fighting for freedom defending out land
Ensuring all is properly planned and manned.
They lean against their rifles as they pray
Then under a tank or vehicle sleep or lay
Adequately serving to cover their head
And continually being cold in their bed.
Cries of tears come to each of their eyes
An anguished felling makes them realize
War has been hell and will never forget
And out all their emotions they now let.
Back home, people for them will be waiting
While they still have been contemplating
Should they reenlist or go back to school
All of their resources together must pool.
Military experience makes minds expand
Still worry who can give them a hand
After back to civilian life they have been
Who would want to do it all over again?
James Thomas Horn
Retired Veteran
Categories:
reenlist, military,
Form: Couplet