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Poems - I Remember
| | I Rememberby Leggolas
I Remember
as if it were yesterday.
"Am I the only one?"
Whistling
the missiles rise
then shower as if rain.
Blistering explosions burst, again, Again, AGAIN.
Helpless hollow hands attempt to stem the pound upon each drum,
"CAN SOMEONE GET ME OUT OF HERE!",
I need to find sanctum.
End this momentum.
Flee these deranged ambitious waves which seek imperium.
Desperation's call does climb to fall upon deaf ears.
[I am but a pawn, a token, played to death by absent peers]
It makes no difference how I plead, the fighting does not cease,
this manufactured war endures, until
such time as we make peace.
[Securing world's release,
as millions of saviours descend to their decease]
Isolated,
all alone,
accustomed to deaths stench.
Friendships lie fragmented,
dispersed, dislocated,
mangled, mutilated,
lives which were so vivid, decay, slayed within this sodden trench.
[An ebullient excavation, became burrows for the brave,
oblivious their furrowing was digging of their grave]
These recent recollections surge and pain swells to a blur.
Its haze is irresistible,
escape is its consuming lure,
eager to be absent,
I willingly concur.........
Delusion's sift
does slowly drift
away from mire that I am in.
The surreal quells
the shocking shells,
tumult fades to distant din.
Taint falls faint beyond me.
"I'm on my way back home!"
Across the sea,
to ‘Old Blighty‘,
an island small,
but still mighty,
though currently imperilled,
she shall be forever free.
Up over,
cliffs of Dover, soaring through unfettered air,
obliging crow,
spits fire below,
bringing me to where.
Ashen smoke of oak rises from rustic chimney pots,
stacked upon a roof which rakes to brick once laid by eye.
Carefully assorted ends, meander, pave the way,
through rows of roses,
vibrant red,
shire fed, in regimented pristine bed,
avenues to ivy, arching over welcomes door,
forever on the latch.
A gentle push, tired hinges flag to judder with the floor,
established is the greeting, from tiles chequered with history.
Instant warmth coerces me to flicker of the flames,
that flow from cindered source,
to lap lethargic logs
till prompt comes from bellow.
[Persistent nudging pokes arouse a simmering within.
Suddenly, that settled, rises to become inflamed,
summoning saps for spitting spats
each aimed at dousing raging cause of he who is to blame]
Now embers glow to surging soar
which leaps up to dangled decor
to dance upon beloved brass,
each buffed to brilliance,
till lustre has attained,
reflections of an age.
Another log is thrown, to reinforce those gone before,
burning thoughts are drawn from those to those that I adore.
Smells once still familiar force famished feet to rove,
into awaiting kitchen,
where Mother toils at labouring stove.
Rubicund, glistening, engrossed in roast of Sunday's breast,
devoted dedication, in her I'm truly blessed.
Intuition perceives presence,
raise begets uplifting smile,
I study cherished features to then savour passing while.
Embracing warmth that follows is so good I can't let go.
Why did I leave this peaceful life? do I really know?
“Yes, of course, I do know!
I answered to the call,
to fight for King and country, keeping freedom for us all,
but millions dead, dying and wounded,
will be total sum.
This generations sacrifice
for all of you still yet to come”
Out through distorted window pane, father tends the soil,
progressive germination forms integral part of daily toil.
I pace and reach to greet him,
as I do, he bids a fond farewell.
His grip of steel diminishes
as I'm propelled as if a shell,
for fingers
clinging to the past
are ripped away from secure grasp
which flourishes into a proud, but fading final wave,
to dwindle on the doorstep of my idyllic enclave.
I’m drawn back passed the stacks of hay where memories were laid,
a summer’s kiss, grazing grass, the plough man's lunch,
fresh lemonade!,
landing before Bromley, where the ancient Abbots prayed
and Dancers prance the Horned Parade,
long main street, lined with fortitude, no German shall subdue,
a vibrant vein which pulses patriotic red, white and blue.
Selected friends now appear to become slapped through the crowded craze,
acknowledged by the masses,
enthralled by celebrations phase
passed Bloor the Blacksmith, glowing
whilst employing forged resources,
shodding
nodding horses,
beyond the fabled Buttercross,
[historical preserve]
Tommies on the way to give the Hun what he'll deserve.
As faces etched with hope and faith emerge from every glance,
fears of that, as yet unknown, are repressed by the jubilance,
the village band's melodic march begins to instrument its pride,
raw,
aroused,
ungainly steps, shift to regimented stride,
which troop's long rural arteries to pour from coastal docks,
uncertain waves are crossed amidst the pendulum hammocks,
ticking anxious time away,
toward our unknown end,
bolstered by the spirit of the British we defend.
Called up to the writhing deck, I fear the imminent array,
thrust into the turmoil
we’re showered by the hostile spray.........
Pitter-patters persist, prods and spatters me from trance,
though dull,
the droplets rise above the booms of bruising resonance
to drench the saturation,
soaking overflowing pores,
feeding fungal hunger of accumulating spores.
But, there is no melancholy from persistence of the rains,
natures tears will cleanse these carcasses of poppy stains.
Though incapacitation stops me stemming rodent feast,
they're gnawing ever nearer,
cessation won't be long,
at least.
Then from distant cloaked obscurity
elegance arrives,
a Celtic dancer, skips, revolves, rejuvenates diminished lives as
one by one, she stops to tend, extend compassions hand.
Resurrected from the cause, each ally emanates to stand.
Simple apparitions,
essence pure as time before
their zest was drawn to defend in this devastating war.
"Go my friends, climb embankments,
take your chance to leave this slough,
enact with faith, your final push.
The blisters can not burst you now".
Her movements irresistible, she skims across quagmire,
her captivating curlicue coerces eyes to tire.
Ladened lids lapse lower, till they shield me from the gore,
release is overwhelming.
I just can't live here anymore!
I know not name of angel who endeavoured to engage.
I know that her resilience enabled life till ripe old age.
I'm sitting in my wheelchair, decorated for ‘the day’,
I Remember,
but I see that other memories have gone astray.
Forgotten are those heroes,
who fought and gave their life.
Forgotten is the sacrifice, the pain that was so rife.
Forgotten are the deeds that went beyond expectancy,
so you could live your current lives and be totally free.
Now, all I see is apathy
and so I write this rhyme,
it's aimed at those who can not spare two minutes of 'their' time.
Those renegers of the silence,
it's YOU that this is aimed
and for your utter disrespect you SHOULD BE damned ASHAMED!
As a Mark of respect, on this and every November the 11th. I dedicate this poem to all of those who’ve fought and lived or lost their lives. And to commemorate their memory, there are 1111 words in this Poppy Poem.
“Lest we should forget their sacrifice”.
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Rate this:  
| "I Remember" | Login/Create an Account | 83 |
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| The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
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This is amazing!!! W
(Score: 1 )
by realrhoda on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (10:27:15) |
This is amazing!!! What a significant work.
You are so gifted. Thank you for this.
Rhoda
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Ah, Mark... a beauty
(Score: 1 )
by maryanns on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (11:07:48) |
Ah, Mark... a beauty you have written and an epic once again. For your people and mine who require a gentle reminder of where we've been. Honor the fallen, those who gave their lives and those who suffer forever, not diminished in their spirit, they endure. Bless you Mark. Best wishes, Mary Ann
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My dear friend… De
(Score: 1 )
by Mayah on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (12:12:14) |
My dear friend… Deeply touched by this amazing artwork remembering our heroes. Thank you so much for being the great poet and friend you are… Maya
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you did it again, Ma
(Score: 1 )
by Bogeyman on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (12:18:30) |
you did it again, Mark! superb writing kept me glued to the screen until the last word, but the images and the message will remain with me now - i'll be coming back to this poem (added to my faves). i'm honored that i'm meeting you tonight in person, my friend! B.
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Again your work insp
(Score: 1 )
by simplsong on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (12:19:25) |
Again your work inspires and feeds the soul.
I should have to give you a 10 except I know
that somehow you will outdo yourself again in
the furture 
simplsong
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Mark, I have gotten
(Score: 1 )
by Melly on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (14:19:00) |
Mark, I have gotten used to the long waits between and know that when you do post it will be remarkably well worth the wait.. You have written a truly stupendous piece here to honor all who fought for our freedoms... the piece is chock full of descriptive words that add to the readers delight...I will add this to my favorites and just want to say thank you for the kind words and remembrances you have bestowed on our heroes everywhere.. blessings Melly
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Excellent story...we
(Score: 1 )
by Dreaming-Demon on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (17:25:33) |
Excellent story...well done
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Quite masterful my l
(Score: 1 )
by Thunderchief on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (23:41:32) |
Quite masterful my long lost friend .... I see your depth of perception in this wonderfully written tribute to those fallen heros...class act.... TC.... PS.. [ I've been gone for a while ...re-edcuation camp in Outer Mongolia...I'm better now [CB ]
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G'day Mark...
Your
(Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (00:42:21) |
G'day Mark...
Your poem is a remarkable gift for those brave soldiers who never got to see their homeland again,
and for us today who wear a poppy as we spare two minutes on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, on the eleventh month...there is no way we can thank those soldiers, but to show them the respect that they deserve on remembrance day.
Fantastic mark.
Lindsay
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such depth and so ri
(Score: 1 )
by lash570 on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (13:48:11) |
such depth and so rich in texture(sounds like a cake)
I will revisit this one many times---also had to mention a documentary on the war---was on HBO last night---I couldn't get through it
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Powerful and potent.
(Score: 1 )
by Islandgrrl on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (19:55:32) |
Powerful and potent... Thank you for sharing this with the world.... if only more would remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by these heroes... Well done... Jenni
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Perfect.Helen
(Score: 1 )
by Helen on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (20:09:11) |
Perfect.Helen
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Beautiful and Strong
(Score: 1 )
by EGranholm on Thursday, November 13, 2008 (13:28:31) |
Beautiful and Strong. Loved the passion behind the words. Crazy long though. haha. It's all good. I really enjoyed it.
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I voted for you when
(Score: 1 )
by Noden on Saturday, November 15, 2008 (10:44:37) |
I voted for you when this was up in the slam, I read all those powerful emotions your is way more attention to detail that mine, no wonder your an awesome poet, I sit in awe at the piece that has bestowed my eyes, and they still tear.
Even though I have read it again, my heart is beating and breathing for the loss, and the massacre that has been done.
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What an amazin' writ
(Score: 1 )
by badmalthus on Sunday, November 16, 2008 (01:51:15) |
What an amazin' write Mark. The first world war holds a great deal of significance here in Australia....Gallipoli in particular......it was a stupid war of hubris.....unlike the second......and it took so many young men......it is special here for so many reasons....not just the Anzacs......but it was then that we began to rip ourselves away from 'Mother England'.......to become our own nation as such.......mind you.....Vietnam and now Iraq show that we have a new parent sadly.......que sera sera.
Cheers......Harry
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This is a great piec
(Score: 1 )
by sweetsmilingangel on Monday, November 17, 2008 (07:31:42) |
This is a great piece Mark....Excellent! Sweets
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I loved it mark! I t
(Score: 1 )
by FrankNFurterXEddie on Monday, November 17, 2008 (15:00:51) |
I loved it mark! I think you are a wonderful, strong writer! Im sorry i didnt read it until just now. i had loads of things to do!
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awesome tribute. flo
(Score: 1 )
by mamta on Monday, November 17, 2008 (23:48:16) |
awesome tribute. flows nicely. you did not lose your grip inspite of its length. i did read it a couple of times. well done!
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Your thoughts echo l
(Score: 1 )
by MidnightPoet on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 (14:17:32) |
Your thoughts echo long after the words have left the screen. An amazing tribute to those who sacrificed everything for what they believed in. This poem has become an instant favorite.
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L that was very sad,
(Score: 1 )
by babsrichar on Thursday, November 20, 2008 (15:27:53) |
L that was very sad, are you writing of the guy, the last airman from WW1, I saw on the news, 112 years , I will not forget his passion, to remind us all of his pals who were lost and who died in the name of freedom, to make our world a safer place. God bless them all. Wonderful tribute. B
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wow! i dont know wha
(Score: 1 )
by southernbelle on Monday, November 24, 2008 (02:27:40) |
wow! i dont know what to say
you blew my mind
great poem
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Hi Mark- better late
(Score: 1 )
by spence on Monday, November 24, 2008 (13:44:34) |
Hi Mark- better late than never eh? I wanted to do this justice so I've read it several times before passing comment, (I actually had to read it several times cos of having a kidlet in the house that is very good at distraction techniques!)
Anyway! This is a truly awe inspiring epic in my opinion. I'm a big fan of world war one poetry and it's not often I can say that I've read any modern interpretations that can evoke such imagery. I think this worked so well because you counterposed and contrasted the scenes of atrocity and fear with such an intense feeling of 'homeliness' that I haven't seen bettered given that you were describing a scenes that would rarely, if ever, be seen nowadays. The ability to immerse yourself so utterly into the era in question really brings this piece to life for me and the power of the farewell from the father and being taken back to the warzone had me rivetted. I love a good story and this was that and a whole lot more. I can't rate this any higher, but I would if I could- the use of language, descriptions, feelings and storytelling all made this one of my all time favourite poems. Really nice work Mark- respect, spence
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Breath-taking poem!
(Score: 1 )
by Liquid_Chaos on Monday, November 24, 2008 (14:51:32) |
Breath-taking poem! Amazing work:) L_C
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Words are beyond me
(Score: 1 )
by Woodster on Monday, December 01, 2008 (16:59:19) |
Words are beyond me my friend... too many forget too easy, and seeing this gives me hope that folks will never forget and the losses never be forgotten.
You truely know how to bring things to the attention of others, I salute you, Stay Safe Woods
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An epic. It deserves
(Score: 1 )
by poetpaul on Monday, January 19, 2009 (17:31:22) |
An epic. It deserves all the praise it has, and will receive.
A wealth of emotion transporting us - there!
Brilliant!
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This one's my favori
(Score: 1 )
by Nikkibaby on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (18:56:38) |
This one's my favorite.
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My favorite line "ob
(Score: 1 )
by butterflyzrfree on Saturday, February 21, 2009 (19:50:59) |
My favorite line "oblivious that their furrowing was the digging of their grave" That line alone is amazing and makes one pause, much less the entire rest of the poem, which contains many other brilliant lines! Thanks for writing this one!
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Good & long. Jon
(Score: 1 )
by schlegel on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 (20:01:12) |
Good & long. Jon
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I picture the woman
(Score: 1 )
by Audie on Sunday, May 10, 2009 (14:00:21) |
I picture the woman saving him as one of the Valkyries. I thought that she was taking him to Valhalla. And maybe she was. Life is a waiting too, I suppose. Waiting for the final battle. I loved all the remembrances in this piece. My mother taught me to stop and shake the hand of the men selling poppies each Memorial Day. Shake their hands and look them in the eye. I will never forget the one man with no nose and sparkly eyes.
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very nice
i enjoyed
(Score: 1 )
by angeroseblue on Monday, May 11, 2009 (13:39:21) |
very nice
i enjoyed this poem alot
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Welcome home my brot
(Score: 1 )
by easyeverett on Thursday, May 14, 2009 (19:46:24) |
Welcome home my brother. An exquisitly superb
homage to wasted resources and tribute to our most precious resource. tom
Out Of Many - One
I've seen the Dungeon of Despair,
alone beside the scattered bones
of death and shattered dreams left there,
where nights serene are mocked by moans.
It lies beside the Sea of Tears
where foggy mist will never lift
the weary weight of soldier fears
when war survived is not a gift.
The body breaks before the soul,
but souls will soon be broken too
for guilt is built on such a toll,
survivor's debt is always due.
There is no light in this dark place
of emptiness and vanquished hope;
where heroes lived to once embrace;
yet broken heroes cannot cope.
No voices heard except the dead
embattled comrades who have died
with souls that will not move ahead
till living friends find light inside.
All things are magnified in war
with clarity of combat truth.
It changes soldiers at their core
while stealing what remains of youth.
Yet bonds are made when blade to blade
young men and women die in war;
as out of many one is made
when all are joined on death's far shore.
And as the living learn to live
the souls of comrades soon are free
to leave the love they loved to give
as blood on blood eternity.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by A-Town on Friday, July 10, 2009 (09:35:41) |
As an individual who has lost a best friend to the horrors of war I thank you for this heartfelt dedication to those brave fallen. I ask myself, often, why must conflict be a part of the human condition? You are a true talent and I am honored to number you among those whom I respect. Perfect 10!
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by S.I._Limbo on Friday, July 10, 2009 (14:47:05) |
Friendships lie fragmented,
dispersed, dislocated,
mangled, mutilated,
lives which were so vivid, decay, slayed within this sodden trench.
holy shit, that's intensely beautiful... not many lengthy poems get a read from me, particularly at 4:13am, but you got me with this one. i couldn't stop til the end. one word - fantastic. Nash.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by John on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 (17:33:30) |
Nice alliteration.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by BrokenWordsPoet on Saturday, August 15, 2009 (10:53:52) |
Mark... Beautiful... A beautiful work of art... I know it comes from a beautiful mind... We who use words as our medium... Our paper as our medium... Thoughts as our medium... History as our medium... Pain and Joy as our medium... Will not leaving this world unspoken... We are truly the multi medium Artist of all times... No one forgets... We will not let them forget... Mark is a Poet that says... I will not let you forget... Thank You Mark... Thank You Poet... Thank You Men In Arms.......... BrokenWordsPoet.............
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by radical_love on Saturday, October 03, 2009 (19:35:29) |
Mark- im terribly sorry- i found this too verbose- maybe i should re-read this when i do not have an impending migraine???
i prefer more succint poems that give the point or moral- but obviously you were trying to reach that 1111 word mark- so really that a quite impressive effort to keep the poem going that long!!! although i do like you mention of apathy
"all i ee is apathy
and so i write this ryhme
it's aimed at those who cannot spare two minutes of 'their' time...."
that is fantastic.... a real golden moment- the rest went over my head- i uess im sick of hearing soldiers called 'heroes'...as an anti-war person, i think the sentiment was lost on me. mind you, feel free to correct any politcial statements i made in here..interested to know what you think of them.....
 millie
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by Mayo on Saturday, October 31, 2009 (22:19:40) |
powerful piece of poetry
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by Unbound on Sunday, November 08, 2009 (05:18:31) |
I dont know how I missed this master piece.... It really amde me emotinal all day. It takes a lot of emotion to write this too Leggolas...
You've got 1000 odd points for this poem in your slam. It wins hands down. Kudos friend.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by MGHardie on Thursday, November 12, 2009 (10:56:58) |
This poem is a service unto itself.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by Clinton.Maslen on Sunday, November 15, 2009 (12:36:32) |
Wow you are a wonderful writer, great lines with powerful emotion.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by wildbrushfire on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 (23:40:52) |
You are truly a class act my friend. What a tribute.
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Re: I Remember
(Score: 1 )
by rcfirerescue on Friday, November 20, 2009 (10:53:56) |
I am at a total loss for words brother. I could not have written these emotions and facts better myself. Honestly, from one veteran to another, amazing write, I will always remember this one. I have a new one up too if you wanna check it out
 Added on: 11-Nov-2008 | Hits: 1472 |
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