Christmas Time Here and There

[rrw]

Christmas Time Here and There

We spent a good part of our American youth dreaming Christmas.
Wading as it where through a chilly December sea of jolliness
in thick boots of good will towards men (and women too).
We trampled through the Christmas card-like banks
of winter snow deep and clean. The mistletoe above heads,
our hearts warm giving, green wreathes of fresh pine needles
hung on every door. Yes, that was our childhood, up early
that morning of Christmas day with sleepy but smiling faces
as the presents one by one were opened.

But there was that other life, that other Christmas
which bled itself to death in steamy jungles,
with backs breaking from the weight of flak jackets
and backpacks stuffed with dirty socks, letters from home,
and the bare naked hope that we might live another day,
would make it home one day and in one piece.
That other Christmas that tasted like sweat and C-rations,
cigarettes and warm beer, smelled like napalm and gun
power and fear. That one Christmas where the cheer
was thin but well appreciated by all the boys who’s
only Christmas wish was to see their families and friends again.

[Lisa Arnold]

I really like your style Robert, great sense of detail and description, I much enjoyed the read thanks for posting and Happy Holidays!

[rrw]

Dec 16, 2011 16:23:24 GMT -5 Lisa Arnold said:

I really like your style Robert, great sense of detail and description, I much enjoyed the read thanks for posting and Happy Holidays!

Thanks, Lisa, and I did somw rewrites on it just now. Getting into the habit of going in and making this just a bit better (I hope).

[purplespirit]

Some people - like me - have no idea how cruel a Christmas apart from home can be. Your poem is wonderful and would make us more humble and grateful. Thank you! Happy Holiday! Ulla xx

[rrw]

Thanks, PS! I just always like the differences between things... found this interesting to work on.

[johan]

As always Rob wonderful touching poetry at Christmas, great my friend.

Johan

[michaelgallatin]

This made me cry my friend! My son was in the Marines though I don't believe he was away at Christmas. Yet he missed much at home and we missed him. And I know soldiers experience a fear that I can't even comprehend. But, you know something, there's fear at home in their loved ones' hearts and minds as well. So, part of that fear at least is shared. My son has been home for a long time now but I still pray constantly for the young men and women who aren't. So very glad the troops are out of Iraq! Only wish, hope and pray they all come home where they belong and get out of harm's way!

This is a very fine, though extremely sad, and meaningful poem!

Happy Holidays!
Mike

PS - I'd really like to know if this is a personal picture if I'm not prying!

PPS - "Wading as it (were)" is I believe what you want there.

[rrw]

Thanks, Mike! The funny thing is that I can't remember EVERY Birthday, Christmas, 4th of July that I've experienced in this life... But I DO remember those holidays spent in Nam. Funny, isn't it? Anyway, welcome your son home for me and thank him for his service.

[The Great Fulcanelli]

Festival times are always poignant times of rememberance when times of war came by. I'm just wondering now how my grandparents celebrated New Year during those four years the Japanese made life hell for them. A pity they're all gone now, so no asking them even if I mastered enough Chinese to make myself understood these days

[rrw]

You know I never thought of asking the same thing of my parents... my dad was a WWII vet and my mom was "Rosie the Riveter." But I often think that during rough times moments of celebration though rare were probably welcomed maybe with more joy than during pieace time. Thoughtful comment.