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Poems - Fortunate Son
| | Fortunate Sonby maryanns
Fortunate son, you sit outside the northeast gate
to contemplate an opaque future. Meditate
with due religious zeal. This is the single goal
you’ve struggled towards for months, survival.
Liberation dawned on Monday morn to bugles
blown across the quad. The sound of boots
pounding wooden barracks floors in cadence.
You kept your eyes squeezed closed in silence.
Troops stream by your bunk; eyes underneath
worn wool blankets, coarse clenched fists
clasped together in sweat wet clinging sheets.
No need to know the warriors being sacrificed.
Discharge came with paperwork in no surprise,
reams of unread forms shoved up your nose.
Sign this, initial that from a fresh faced puss;
you’ve held your usual lip, just get it over with.
Freedom comes with no regrets; rucksacks wait
by itchy feet for transport off the noisy base.
Quiet is what you need; space and time to heal
blood shot eyes, chapped lips and lethal dreams.
----------------------------
For my son Mike and his family
and all the others who make it safely home
from army life. I wish you peace.
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| "Fortunate Son" | Login/Create an Account | 42 |
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| The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by omegapaf on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (00:52:58) |
an afgan policeman shot five british soldiers dead today. if anyone can give a good reason why we are in afganistan, apart from protecting pakistani nuclear weapons i'd love to hear it - disarm pakistan and bring them all home - paul.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Jayelle on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (05:43:14) |
Very emotional piece. Well written. My best wishes to you & your son & his family. I hope the re-entry into his new safe world goes smoothly. Joan
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by oxavier on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (08:24:43) |
So so true...it was just yesterday i was wondering why are soldiers still in Afghanistan...........nice write Mary, beautiful imagery, thanks for sharing 
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by thewholesoul on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (08:51:21) |
terrirfi write maryann - my favourite line just has to be L3 in S4...hehehehehe...but seriously great poem so well written. and lets all hope your son gets back safe and sound. best wishes, conor
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by nerdgirl on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (09:06:00) |
They really dont need be there anymore. This is an excellent write Mary Ann, the imagery made me want to cry. Im glad your son is safe.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by angeroseblue on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (09:35:12) |
i hope all could come home
because this is just sad all around
maryanns
your poem is felt 
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Liquid_Chaos on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (19:19:37) |
Excellent piece and very respectable. L_C
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by KatiraMahsa on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (21:03:36) |
Interesting that you posted in the political section. I like that choice, and your choice of words is inspiring. I was thinking of all those young men in any country who volunteer and give so much. Prayers to your family.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by badmalthus on Thursday, November 05, 2009 (23:42:59) |
A magnificent write Mary Ann........loved the Creedence use in it as well.
Cheers......Harry
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Ramonez on Friday, November 06, 2009 (08:48:41) |
Shees. 'lethal dreams'. One of your most powerful writes, Mary Ann. I think your words have devoured me here. Shees. Strange, I wrote one (on paper, for a change) about a drunk soldier in the street (one of my Candy Stripe Shit Dream ones); I wasn't certain about it, but now i'm going to rewrite and post it. You truly are an inspiration. For that, I thank you.
Regards, R.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by greygrynn on Friday, November 06, 2009 (09:00:54) |
gut wrenching - I feel the pain in each word and reflect on my own military service.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Melly on Friday, November 06, 2009 (15:08:18) |
Sweet Maryann.I'm wishing luck and good wishes to Mike and family and all the others who make it home safely . The healing begins with love and family close by to love and understand.. A wonderful piece.. Hugs Melly
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by realrhoda on Friday, November 06, 2009 (16:26:51) |
Mary Ann,
Yes, very fortunate---happy for you and your family-
We must end this insanity!!! here and abroad-is everybody nuts?
Rhoda
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Dreaming-Demon on Friday, November 06, 2009 (22:57:03) |
I love this, so well done
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by Unbound on Friday, November 06, 2009 (23:22:45) |
Its such an emotional poem.. I'm so moved Maryann. Hats off to your son and every single soldier in the world.
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by spence on Saturday, November 07, 2009 (06:49:08) |
Hi Mary Ann. I didn't realise your son had been out there, but I'm glad to hear he's home again safe and sound where he belongs. A well written 'end of duty' account that must have been a great relief for you to write, take care, spence
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by rcfirerescue on Sunday, November 08, 2009 (14:05:00) |
Wow maryann, this is amazing. The desriptive senteces that are so true it hurts. "Freedom comes with no regrets; rucksacks wait by itchy feet for transport off the noisy base". You are definately the most talented poet I think I have seen on GP so far. Everything you write makes my mind wander or my heart burn. It is outstanding work you do. Please thank your son Mike for his service to our country for me. Without people like him keeping things moving forward with progress over here this place would be a lot worse off than it is now.
RJ
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by MoZark on Sunday, November 08, 2009 (14:55:36) |
My Granddaughter just got back from Iraq, there’s joy in the Hills.
I got all chocked up reading you’re your poem. God bless.
Jack
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by liarbird on Sunday, November 08, 2009 (19:03:12) |
G'day Mary Ann...
You're poem certainly brings out the relief that so many families and friends can relate to once a son, daughter or mate arrives home from a war theatre and then to finally realize with discharge they will never have the concern of fearing the worst. Unfortunately another family then takes over.
Thank you Mary Ann. Really thoughtful poem.
Lindsay
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Re: Fortunate Son
(Score: 1 )
by rondo on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 (00:26:06) |
stirrs anger and happiness at the same time ....its better then multiple rhymes ..a fitting tribute............wonderful writing Master MaryAnns
Added on: 05-Nov-2009 | Hits: 293 |
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