I Saw A Man
by
E. W. Richardson
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Rated "G" by the Author.
 Share
 Print  Save  Become a Fan
|
This poem appears in my book, Through Smoked Glass. I am posting it today because in the last week, I have had the honor and pleasure, tinged with sad realization, of talking with veterans from Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The honor and pleasure is obvious...I am a Vietnam veteran and always find pleasure in talking with other veterans.
The sad realization is also obvious, to me, anyway.
We have not learned a damned thing.
E.W. Richardson
formerly LCpl. "Red" Richardson, 1st Marine Division, Vietnam, 1969-70
|
I saw a man in the park today,
Sitting alone, under a tree,
Surrounded by a serenity
So peaceful and strong,
Even the wind's gusty play
Meekly respected his tranquility.
The man was writing in a book,
Whose cover was battered and stained
And though he sat some distance away,
I could hear the scratch of the pen...
An oddly soothing sound...like a whisper
Of someone softly singing a hymn...
Or reciting from a book of prayer.
Once, he raised his eyes from his work
And in his eyes were anger and pain...
And a hardness of once having seen
Horrors not meant for the eyes of man...
And I knew him then...
He is one of those remarkable men,
Who have looked the devil in the eye
And laughed, spit in that eye, and survived...
Only to be forgotten,
The sacrifice and contributions ignored
Or outright denied.
Yet, there he sits, peaceful and calm,
Enjoying the simplicity of the day...
Perhaps with an understanding
Of how to open life's many doors,
Reserved for those, who have fought our wars.
© ewrichardson 2000
|
|
|
Want to review or comment on this
poem?
Click here to login!
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Click here for your Membership!
|
| Reviewed by Tinka Boukes |
3/5/2008 |
|
Touching piece dear man!!
Love Tinky |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Rebecca Lerwill |
3/4/2008 |
|
Quiet the emotional piece! I love this; it shares the love to ones country and the anger about it as well. My hat is up to everyone who stands up for this place and I stand proud behind those who serve(d).
Much Love and appreciation to a warrior!
Becca~ |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Karen Palumbo |
3/4/2008 |
|
From my father, his five brothers, cousins, friends and my first husband all men in various branches of service to this country, we all thank you for your service and for making time to remember and visit with others. Always to remember.....
Be always safe,
Karen |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Debby Rosenberg |
3/4/2008 |
|
"We have not learned a damned thing"
nor does the woman who loves him |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Myrna Badgerow |
3/4/2008 |
|
Every time I have read this I remember a cousin who gave so much and came back so changed... and as I look at my son-in-law I too realize that not a damned thing has changed. I'm not sure it's a lesson that will every be learned unfortunately. The price for freedom is quite high.
As always,
M |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Regis Auffray |
3/4/2008 |
|
You are so right. We have not learned a thing. No matter how many die, how much pain and destruction is inflicted, nothing seems to change. Sad truth, Erny. Thank you. Love and peace to you,
Regis |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Jill Eisnaugle |
3/4/2008 |
|
War is a sad necessity in this life, Erny. Often, we are not nearly as appreciative of the sacrifices our service men and women have made and the horror/carnage they have seen than we all should be. At times, our government is just as guilty for not paying attention or regard to our vets.
Bless you for your service and thank you for this poem!
Jill |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Cryssa C |
3/4/2008 |
|
This is a poignant view into the inner soul of one who has given so much... for others, for me...
It brought to mind others in my life, who maybe haven't fought in military wars, but who have battled through wars of pain, of trial, of abuse, of waiting, of loss.... It has meaning in those arenas too.
Cryssa |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader) |
3/4/2008 |
|
| Ahhh yes! This is one of my favorites from that book that I so treasure of yours. You know you inspired many verses for me over the years, and I know that your deeply penned emotions will keep on inspiring. |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Carole Mathys |
3/4/2008 |
|
Written with compassion and understanding...heart touching write Erny
Carole~ |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Georg Mateos |
3/4/2008 |
|
Succinctly, yet with the raw frankness of someone that was there and recognize the a brother's shadows even among the all enveloping world's shadows.
"I Saw A Man" gives that chilling feeling of buddies gone, sitting on a park bench, waiting for us to come to them.
Georg |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by stan nassano |
3/4/2008 |
|
a very nice write here indeed.......very nice,
stan |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner |
3/4/2008 |
|
Erny,
Powerful - God bless our Veterans, because our Nation seems to have forgotten the sacrifices, paid - welcome home, soldier, welcome home - and thank YOU for YOUR service!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Gianetta Ellis |
3/4/2008 |
|
| Your writing is superb; it never ceases to affect. My father was a vietnam veteran who later died of cancer at the young age of 30. I have pictured him in a heaven where he was sitting alone, tranquilly, but with brush and pallete in-hand rather than pen and paper. Such strong images and emotions stir in experiencing your well-constructed write. |
|
|
|
|
| Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan |
3/4/2008 |
|
| tragic in what he had been through but beautiful in the peace he may have found |
|
|
|
|
