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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 1, 2012 11:30:17 GMT -5
When was the moment that
I became old and tired?
Can I think back to the instant
of my being less inspired?
Was it just a day ago
or was it about a year?
A week, a second, a decade,
I really find this queer.
Because it used to be true
that I couldn't be put down.
There was a time not long ago
when I never wore a frown.
But then life stepped into the ring
and gave me such a beating.
And now it all feels so very sad,
just plain lost and quite defeating.
Yet I remember this old adage
and it chimes clear as a bell.
I'm the father of a fine Marine
so I ought to fight like Hell.
So I pick up my old body
and I gird my tired mind.
Getting ready for the battle
because life can be so unkind.
Now it seems much like an enemy
which it didn't in the past.
Wouldn't it be wonderful
if happiness could last?
But there's so many ups
and downs like a carnival ride.
For as many times I've laughed,
there's at least as much I've cried.
So I march off to the war
feeling just like a Marine.
Taking on each battle as best I can
with R and R between.
Because I won't let life beat me
as long as I can fight.
I'll just pick myself up once more
and do what I know is right.
Michael "Devildogs Shout Oorah!" Gallatin
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Post by rrw on Feb 1, 2012 19:04:05 GMT -5
As a Marine I have a lot of respect for this poem.
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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 1, 2012 21:13:27 GMT -5
As a Marine I have a lot of respect for this poem. You've said so very much in that one sentence my friend! As you respect this poem Sir, I respect your service to our country! Semper Fi, Mike |
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Post by jbstillwater on Feb 3, 2012 15:05:01 GMT -5
And of course , you know Art is Army and we are a military family, generations back. Love this one, Mike, caugaht the symbolic lines and relationship between fighting the battle and life. Great job!
Huggs-Jan
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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 4, 2012 12:59:30 GMT -5
And of course , you know Art is Army and we are a military family, generations back. Love this one, Mike, caugaht the symbolic lines and relationship between fighting the battle and life. Great job! Huggs-Jan Thank you! I had forgotten about Art having served in the Army. My Dad was WWII Army and one son a recent Marine as you know. Skipped me thank God, Viet Nam era. But I have great respect for soldiers despite what war they are or were in. Thank Art from me, Dad and Justin for his service! Take care and...  back to you, Mike |
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Post by rustybroadspear on Feb 4, 2012 13:57:42 GMT -5
Remember the song Mike, just a few years back? .................
I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never going to keep me down.
We all need a thick skin and a fighting spirit ............
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Post by purplespirit on Feb 4, 2012 17:12:44 GMT -5
My respect to your loved ones who served and to anyone who in on service and my respect for your thoughtful poem Mike. Bless you! Ulla xx
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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 5, 2012 10:38:39 GMT -5
Remember the song Mike, just a few years back? ................. I get knocked down But I get up again You're never going to keep me down. We all need a thick skin and a fighting spirit ............ The song lines sounded familiar but I couldn't place them so I googled it. The song is actually called "I Get Knocked Down" and it's by a group called Chumbawamba. Now's there's a piece of music memorabilia that I wouldn't have thought of but for you. It's about some guy drinking to the "old days" when he and his life were in better shape and so he's "pissing the night away". Nice one pal, fits well with my poem! Be sure to keep your thick skin and fighting spirit my friend! Take care, Mike  PS - How about we share a few and piss the night away!!! |
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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 5, 2012 10:49:26 GMT -5
My respect to your loved ones who served and to anyone who in on service and my respect for your thoughtful poem Mike. Bless you! Ulla xx My dear lady, you are as respectful as you are sweet and supportive. You talk about blessing. I'm already blessed to have you as a friend! I'm glad you liked this. Isn't it funny that I abhor war but I have the highest respect for most soldiers? They're just regular guys who got sucked in for one reason or another or who strongly feel they're supporting their country or a cause. Soldiers fight because it's their job and/or they think it's right. It's the politicians, dictators, bureaucrats, etc. that start the wars and pick the causes to fight and kill. The soldiers are just caught up in whatever war they fight for reasons good or reasons bad. So, I find I can hate the damn war but yet still feel compassion for the soldiers who are in it! But I deeply wish all wars would end forever! God bless. Mike |
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Post by johan on Feb 6, 2012 7:35:57 GMT -5
Yes Michael, I think as we grow older our faces mirror what life has thrown at us, though I guess you've seen more than many, your poetry always cheers me up, though sometimes it's sad, but keep em coming my friend.
Johan
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Post by michaelgallatin on Feb 6, 2012 9:29:47 GMT -5
Yes Michael, I think as we grow older our faces mirror what life has thrown at us, though I guess you've seen more than many, your poetry always cheers me up, though sometimes it's sad, but keep em coming my friend. Johan Not only faces mirror my friend, poetry does as well. My poems show the ups and downs I feel in life and inside my soul. There are many who've "seen more", I don't claim to be that worldly though I've had my share. But thanks kind Sir for your compliments and I'm so glad that you enjoy what I write! If you see this comment, please read "Share A Drink" because that's for you, my friend, among others here! Bless you, Mike |
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and 
all
time for me 
echoes, hope you all are doing well 
