A Poem for Memorial Day, 2002

[WombatWoman]

THE WAYS OF PEACE (A Tribute to Those Who Gave All)

Some of us lived to tell the tales of war,
Some gave our labor to let freedom ring,
Some merely hung a flag beside a door,
And some gave everything.

We shall go down the windless path of peace
With heads held high, and bold, untroubled eyes.
Our mission is accomplished. We release
The white doves of our spirits to the skies.

The things that seemed so urgent once now pass
Unnoticed, all the chaos and the strain,
Like dim reflections in a distant glass:
The weariness, the terror, and the pain.

And we shall know no sadness of regret,
No yearning back of unfulfilled desires.
No futile struggle, weariness nor fret,
Only the solemn hush of sinking fires.

We died for love and hate, for faith and fears:
For love of open space, and hate of chains,
For love of laughter and for hate of tears.
The hate has left us. But the love remains.

We shall go down the still, unshadowed ways
With quiet hearts; all strife and toil shall cease.
Beyond the reach of earthly blame or praise,
Untroubled, we shall tread the ways of peace.

~Jean MacKay Jackson~

 

[Azraele]

That was beautiful WW. I'm sure those who gave their all will appreciate it.

 

[AreaCode707]

*removes hat*

Thanks WW, and thanks to everyone who's served.

 

[monotony]

Excellent poem WW. Very well done. Thanks to all who fought to protect our past and future freedoms.

 

[Rainsford]

Great poem. Also a bump so everyone gets a chance to read this.

 

[eleutheria]

Thank you very much, WombatWoman. Your poem is beautiful.

And thank you also for designing the patriotic ribbon avatars for us.

 

[Morella]

I think it is in very poor taste to write a poem as if one is a dead veteran.

The familys of the actual dead veterans would probably be really offended by this poem, IMO.

 

[WombatWoman]

Originally posted by: Morella
I think it is in very poor taste to write a poem as if one is a dead veteran.

The familys of the actual dead veterans would probably be really offended by this poem, IMO.

Whether or not you like my poem, it should be obvious that my intent was respectful and reverent.

Find me someone who is offended, and I will apologize to that person.

 

[UltraQuiet]

Thanks WW and from someone who has presented a folded flag to the widow/family of more than one deceased veteran rest assured that they would be honored that someone would immortalize their loved ones.

 

[hzl eyed grl]

Originally posted by: DaveSohmer
Thanks WW and from someone who has presented a folded flag to the widow/family of more than one deceased veteran rest assured that they would be honored that someone would immortalize their loved ones.

That's how I feel. I know WW meant no harm in it, but to honor them.

 

[camembert]

Thank you, WombatWoman.

Could I have your permission to email this poem to a few people?

 

[WombatWoman]

Originally posted by: camembert
Could I have your permission to email this poem to a few people?

Certainly you may email my poem, Cam, if you will leave my name attached to it.

 

[Cyberian]

Once again, WW, thank you!

"All gave some,
Some gave all"

 

[camembert]

Originally posted by: WombatWoman

Originally posted by: camembert
Could I have your permission to email this poem to a few people?

Certainly you may email my poem, Cam, if you will leave my name attached to it.

That I will do. Thanks again.

 

[Sciolist]

WombatWoman: Thank you. The poem is a beautiful tribute.

 

[Semper Fi]

Nice poem.

 

[Perknose]

Thanks, Jean. Your heart rings brilliantly true.