This Poem was Submitted By: Thomas H. Smihula On Date: 2006-03-12 21:39:32 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Forgotten

They move up the river on a patrol river boat. They turn off the engine while drifting afloat. A sound, they hear, so strange. They look up ahead  see movement beyond. They hesitate  for they are not very fond. For something, may hide, within range. They grab their guns ready to shoot. They try to remember to be very mute. Otherwise, they will, be seen. Again movement was made in their sight. They start to shoot, but wait maybe it might. Life form, could, be a child. The boat is destroyed in their hesitation. They were just there for our sovereign nation. Men, now, Forgotten Souls

Copyright © March 2006 Thomas H. Smihula


This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-04-05 09:44:15
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.79487
Thomas, Please forgive me for taking so long to get to this. Between computer melt down and being ill I've had to be away for a bit. I have heard the fella's from Nam speak of such things, no one that I know of has put it into words like this. It is a stark reminder of how devestating war is, how fear resides within all during the events of war, the never knowing what is to be confronted, friend or foe, the uncertainty of life itself just smacks you in the face--you've done a super fine job with your discriptors of emotion, tension, the human quality for an un-'Godly act/time. Let us not forget the souls who were given and not been named. Your presentation of this subject was perfect for what you wanted to say, a hard hitting truth. Best always, Lora


This Poem was Critiqued By: Claire H. Currier On Date: 2006-03-27 17:20:11
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Once more, well presented. Nice word flow, good projection of images, emotions well up within my heart as my own mind returns to days of when my husband served in the service of his country. He served on a boat, in the water, and was many times shot upon in what was after known as 'friendly fire' sad but true how friends were lost then...........we shall never forgot those that served their country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We shall not forget those that served and return home to those that waited with hope in their heart. Thanks for posting again, for sharing this with us. God Bless, Claire
This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2006-03-14 11:53:51
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.62500
I am surmising that this is about Vietnam. Forgotten souls they were fighting a war that should have never been entered into. Irag and Afghanistan are in this as well...except there are no river boats. The one problem I had with this poem is this line: for they are not very fond. It just doesn't quite fit in. Otherwise a stark reminder of that war.
This Poem was Critiqued By: Jennifer j Hill On Date: 2006-03-13 14:24:08
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Hi Tom, This pulled me in right away and kept my attention to the end , a very very sad end. But yet real and true. They should not be forgotton, but back here life goes on and only loved ones notice. Thanks for caring enough to wrie this. It's like another world so far removed. Thanks for putting me there and making me think. This piece deftly hits the mark. Best, Jennifer
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