(Sergeant Joyce Kilmer. Born December 6, 1886-died in battle July 30, 1918. My favorite poem. So beautiful and true.)

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

(Thank you Sergeant Joyce Kilmer for leaving such beautiful words for us to read. Great Poets need to be remembered.)

WAR, what it is good for?

(Edwin starr voice can’t never be equal)

NOTHING

Young Johnnie waiting to go home.(1992 photo)

Sitting on the Iraq border.
My division of Soldiers are waiting for orders to move..

Old country boy talk of the Tennessee river.
He tells us” I will be fishing all day soon.
I miss the green grass.
Ain’t a damn tree anywhere.”

Old soldier wallet full of pictures.
He love to show you them.
He has a story for every photo.
I listen and don’t complain.
Some sort of peace when you talk of family.

The Chaplain is coming.
Soldiers gather together.
All religion is the same here.
We pray and listen to the Chaplain.
He always ask any requests for a song.
I request the song Amazing Grace always.

Soldier will defend their country.
Don’t complain too much about the war.
Just do what must be done.

Going home keeps the soldier hopeful and strong.
Nothing better then a letter from a wife and family member.

Death is a subject not discussed.
The sweet dream of home keep the soldier spirit strong.

Sure would be nice to see  the forest in the spring.
Go fishing with old dad.

Coyote
Jan 2009