Ode to the Soldier

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Ode to the Soldier

Across the sea, a jungle green,
A young man fought, a sight unseen.
My father, there, in Vietnam’s hold,
A story etched, a heart of gold.

The weight of war, a heavy pack,
He carried burdens on his back.
The sounds of fire, the cries of pain,
Aching memories, etched like rain.

But courage bloomed where shadows fell,
He faced his fears and fought them well.
For comrades’ sake, for duty’s call,
He stood his ground, he gave his all.

And when he came back home at last,
The war’s grim toll, a shadowed past.
Unspoken battles, burdens deep,
Yet in his eyes, a love to keep.

He built a life, a world anew,
The strength he bore, shone clear and true.
My father, soldier, quiet, strong,
In him, I see where I belong.

This ode to him, a whispered pride,
For all he faced, for all he tried.
A son’s respect, a heart’s embrace,
For the hero’s journey, etched on his face.

It Stings to Hear Their Memories Frayed

Made by Nancy Ann Creed using Canva.com

It Stings to Hear Their Memories Frayed

The whispers twist like smoke and ash,
A tarnish on a cherished past.
They paint a picture, cold and gray,
Of parents loved, now swept away.

Their laughter, once a joyful tune,
Now echoes hollow, out of tune.
Their kindness, once a warming sun,
Deemed weakness by the thoughtless one.

It stings to hear their memories frayed,
Their gentle hands as faults portrayed.
The love they gave, a precious thing,
Reduced to whispers on the wing.

But anger flares, a righteous fire,
To shield their light, their hearts’ desire.
Their legacy, a tapestry bright,
Woven with love, and woven tight.

No whispered word, no careless tongue,
Can steal the truth of what they’ve done.
Their love remains, a guiding star,
Though shadows try to dim how far

Their light has reached, the warmth they gave,
A shelter strong, a life they saved.
So let them speak, with words unsound,
Their whispers lost on hallowed ground.

For in your heart, their memory lies,
Untarnished truth in loving eyes.
And when the storm has passed its peak,
Their love will guide you, strong and sleek.