This Poem was Submitted By: Ellen K Lewis On Date: 2006-07-04 16:43:38 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!To Listen to Music While Reading this Poem, just Click Here!
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Rockets' Red Glare I thought I might be back on the battlefields.
The explosions were everywhere and their blasts
where deafening. I thought of Korea, Vietnam
and the middle east.
I cried for my brothers who didn't come home.
I just couldn't get into the celebration
today, of all days.
Yes, the rockets red glare
means that they are still there
fighting the war on terror
when my friends come home
I will celebrate with them
until then; I'll stay sober. |
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Copyright © July 2006 Ellen K Lewis
Additional Notes:
Here I go again, stepping on toes...I apologize to anyone who feels offended by this topic for prose and poetry. I will appreciate your comments and suggestions; however they come! Thanks for reading!
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-08-06 21:25:02
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Ellen,
Sorry it took this long to get to this poem. It was very fitting for the season, well penned thoughtful statements of what the 4th is supposed to stand for, a rememberance, and I must agree; perhaps the celebration should wait. However, it also is a reminder of the battle fought to make us a free nation... so I guess however one chooses to remember what was sacrificed and won is what is important. You've bared your heart in this short to the point poem...well done. I salute you!
Best always,
Lora
This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2006-08-05 19:30:26
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
My first inclination is to ignore your comment. If some don’t like it, that is not the issue, if some are offended, they need to get over it, and if they have some issue with your form, that is their problem, poetry and prose are so interchanged these days that they must speak to the verse, rather than the version.
What struck me first, and colored my immediate response was the obvious linkage to Korea and Vietnam. I almost dismissed myself at that moment, for seldom does that linkage occur with a shred of intelligence to follow... then I read on.
“Crying for my brothers”, “getting into the celebration”, “I will celebrate with them”, and (I am a veteran, retired navy, who has battled the evils even when there was no recompense at home) I bowed my head and honored your words. I don’t know your place in the political instability of this world, but I too, honor your tribute and understanding of sacrifice. It is rare these days, whether in give or take.
Thank you.
This Poem was Critiqued By: stephen g skipper On Date: 2006-07-12 10:48:47
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Ellen
seems fitting that I'm reading this poem the day after a terror attack on a civilian city!
What price so called civilisation?
I to have had a friend that didnt come home (Falklands)what did he die for oil exploration rights,not the rights of british citizens!
the poem as you probaly can tell emots strong feelings in me!
I wouldnt change it as it is raw, and war is raw.
when war is over I will raise a glass with you!
thank youfor this thought evoking piece
take acre
steve
This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2006-07-09 18:59:44
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 8.50000
Oh right on. There are good wars and bad wars. This war on terror will go on and on and on...like Vietnam.
Like Bob Dylan sang, "When will they ever learn?"
There is no need for a plural after Rockets. True, let's all celebrate when the soldiers come home...but can't we just have a wee nip now?
This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-07-08 09:15:02
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Ellen....you don't need to apologize for this poem. I know the subject is controversial but what you have written here is so truthful. Here we are, after that July 4th eons ago, and still at war...incredible. I never really liked the 4th of July as I hate loud bangs even though it is a celebration that I should enjoy. I have no suggestions for improvement because you have written this well and said what needed to be said.
blessings....Marilyn
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