For God and Country

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Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

For God and Country

#1 Post by Kenneth2816 » 18 Nov 2021, 08:33

Now I see my father at fifteen,
gangly in T-shirt and khakis.
On the back stoop is a galvanized
bucket of crushed Camels.

Four years later, he will join the Army
the Monday after Pearl Harbor.
They made him a ball turret gunner,
twin fifties, floor full of hot brass.

He speaks to me with string
and two tin cans. "Tell them I
did my duty,"  he buzzes, " I did not
mean to bring the war home."

I watched him live long enough
to lose his mind. In the burnished
glaze of spit- shine and boot-black,
you can almost see your reflection.

Michael (MV)
Posts: 2154
Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57

Re: For God and Country

#2 Post by Michael (MV) » 18 Nov 2021, 11:59

Just outstanding, Kenneth

Nothing to offer workshop-wise - no need I can see

I do hope to revisit to highlight why this is on my short list

Thanks, for posting this potent & poignant Kenneth poem


😎

Michael (MV)

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: For God and Country

#3 Post by BobBradshaw » 18 Nov 2021, 21:07

Excellent piece, Ken. Great choice of details.

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: For God and Country

#4 Post by Kenneth2816 » 19 Nov 2021, 04:14

Much appreciated guys

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Billy
Posts: 1384
Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 10:56

Re: For God and Country

#5 Post by Billy » 23 Nov 2021, 20:50

Yes, a sure nomination. The details make this poem great.

Kenneth2816
Posts: 1619
Joined: 01 Jun 2008, 09:17

Re: For God and Country

#6 Post by Kenneth2816 » 24 Nov 2021, 10:34

Thanks Billy

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