This is beautiful writing. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your openness and candor and in regard to the last poster, to whom your response was more than gracious--Forgive this little sideslap to SWSimpson: Hey jerk, who are you to say who this is or isn't about. She's a mother who's son is at war. Get it? If not, get lost. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
I hope he is done with his tour by now and doing well!
You made me cry. That was really good. My husband is in Iraq right now and this is his second tour of duty. I wrote a song for his mother. We do happen to be Republican but it does not make a difference, like you said, as to being 100% behind our soldiers. My mother in law and myself have gotten much closer this year since he's been gone. I included my video that I made. Let me know what you think.
I'm with you all the way on this. I help train soldiers sometimes myself, and worry, when we shake hands at completion of the exercise, whether they have learned anything that will save one more family from a tragic loss.
Those of us who have no children in Iraq cannot possibly understand what you must face everyday.
Although I've been against this war from the beginning, I have nothing but respect for someone who is willing to take on a job with so much at stake. This is a beautiful, moving poem.
Very beautiful poem. I hope your days are sunnier as time passes. And we all pray for the safe return of all sons and daughters, all mothers and fathers. Bless you!
Being the son of an Air Force Colonel who went to war and not knowing if he would return; and later as the brother of another Air Force officer/pilot; I never gave the impression to my nephews and niece that their father didn't have 100% of my support- politics put aside. People tend to forget, even soldiers, how the families sacrifice and how we too are expected to be "good soldiers." It isn't easy.
Poetivity.If I could I would take his place and he can come home. Your son is a brave soldier who stands for his Country. I hope he comes home safe. I salute you and all of the families.
oh Kim...you made me cry a little. I often think about the parents of the soldiers over there, and wonder how they are coping (or not). I hope that you all are able to find little moments of peace in between the moments of fear and anxiety, that your sons and daughters return home safely, that you all get to hold your kids again. I know this isn't possible for every parent, but I wish it was.
Kim, this was a fine poem. I especially appreciated the "silent depleting sky," and your redeeming of the cliche of "lead heart" by following it up with the brilliant "echo chamber head."
But enough lit crit. O the enormity of a son at war. Writing helps. It helps more if everyone comes back safe.
What an utterly stupid, but understandable war. Sad, again, sad.
I think the point is that it *starts* with something that doesn't make any sense. Why were the Kurds denied a homeland? Why does Osama hate the West enough to kill what he knows are innocent people? When you start with that foundation anything you build is going to be absurd.
What makes sense is that a mother loves her children.
Ordinarily, foreign policy decisions are made by the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of State, and the National Security Council--not by American boys and girls or their frightened fathers and mothers.
Blaming soldiers for their commanders' decisions is the worst form of blaming the victim.
Prosecutors start at the bottom of the chain of command. Voters should start at the top.
With all due respect, Reliable, this is still a government by, of and for the people. I think that Americans must live with the accountability for their choices and actions. Saying "it's the government" not the people doesn't make it so. Feeling powerless is not an excuse. You can't just opt out because you have a contrary thought or feeling.
So, Rabbi, you're saying it's the fault of people who voted for Bush.
I think it's all of our fault's because we don't talk enough with out neighbors about politics. The naive become vulnerable to television commercials selling candidates and to AM hate radio.
You are right on about the media. Some of us are less vulnerable than others, but mostly we have been numbed into the consumer paradise of submission and depressed into not voting. Check out the studies on loneliness in america for proof that even will all the 'communication' we have no one to talk to. PS - You Tube is a part of that phenom, too.
I would normally agree with you in a United States that was running the way it is supposed to. This Administration has taken power the way dictators take power. The government no longer reflects or responds to the will of the people.
When only 30% of eligible voter show up at the polls, that is inevitable. When only 14% say they like what Congress is doing, but 98% of Congress gets re-elected, what should we expect. It is not much different than a parent telling a child they dislike their behavior, but providing no natural consequences. The behavior is encouraged. Of course the US isn't running the way it's supposed to. All the voters are busy watching TV and being depressed into numbness.
Ben: what you say is true in a general sense, but I did not vote for Bush nor do I support his actions, so holding me personally responsible along with ALL Americans is BS over simplifying. It is the same as saying that ALL Germans are responsible for the actions of Adolph Hitler. In time, outcries and dissemination of information can change things, but speaking in such broad terms is not accurate nor fair.
I disagree when you say: "true in a general sense." In this federal republic one of our basic tenets is "of the people." We are all collectively responsible and accountable for our political process and the actions of our government. Voting is merely the chosen mechanism whereby we govern ourselves. Hitler was an individual, but 650,000 people participated directly and indirectly in carrying out or abetting the mass murders of non-combatants. It is both just and fair that we be responsible.
My mother died this week. I spoke to my son for the first time since he's been in Iraq just yesterday. He has been in numerous firefights...he's just the medic, but he has lost one soldier and saved the life of another. I didn't know he was in so much danger until yesterday. Now I feel like my head is going to explode.
Mom, this isn't about you, it's about your Son. Be proud of him, instead of being overcome with your own fears. Try to speak without using the words "I" and "me" when you speak of his courage and his sense of duty, and that he is there to save lives. That's a pretty special young man you have with a lot to be proud of. I meant as a way to help you...
SWSimpson, have you ever served in the military? Are you really getting what she is saying about her feelings about the war and the situation her son is in?
As an old soldier, I should think it would be easier to accept such condolences if we could all believe that the mission was neccessary, well-thought-out, and being directed by a command structure that had the proper military skills.
(That last part is the most obviously flawed part of the scheme.)
I must apologize for continuing an argument at such a difficult time for you. I should simply have ignored the comment. May you be comforted and have your son back safely and soon. You don't need to "support our troops," you have given everything you have to give. No one need ask about your 'beliefs'--that is ultimately shallow.
But Poetivity expressed her beliefs and I listened. And I stand with her, as do millions of Americans who are sick and tired of this fgd war. I've released a video Let's End The Empire! on YouTube. Make sure you also read the sidebar and go to the links. We can no longer afford the comforts and security enjoyed only by the richest people in the world - I say it's time to end corporate welfare! Take our Government back!
Poetivity..I am sorry for your loss,Your son will return home safely as they take care of each other.I pray you see your sons grandchildren..I wish GWB decides to surprise evryone and pull the troops out,just as quick as OIF was launched...I offer my deepest sympathies in losing your Mother..Maybe she can watch over him from Heaven.
Everyone cannot be responsible for every single law passed in every single state; nor is voting for the president a popular vote, you know that, and this system was set in place long before I was born. Secondly, Hitler and the participants- yes; EVERY German citizen? No. So, for the war crimes of Bush, if so determined, we'll just have them execute you, okay? Thanks for being responsible!
You must be one of those who feel guilty about everything. "For the People" and "by the People" comes with Amendments and a Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution.
I agree. We must learn from the lessons of Vietnam. The soldiers returning home were treated like shit and blamed for what was beyond them. The leaders who sent them there and kept them there should be held accountable. Which is my problem with Jane Fonda- she attacked the soldiers directly.
That more than 1 million is an erroneous number. If there wasn't so much hatred between different factions of religion and tribal prejudices, etc., and bombing each others mosques and shopping districts, those numbers would be far less. They are killing each other in great numbers. They needed a brutal dictator to keep them in line.
This war has cost us far too much. Republicans have paid with taxpayer's money and with the lives of our children to turn Iraq into a safe haven for terrorists.
The Republican Party is not fiscally responsible after all.
I imagine that millions of Americans are going to read our comments when in fact the counter clearly shows 289 views. Of the video. Who knows if anyone reads the comments but you and me and maybe Kim. Hi Kim. :)
I figure that if I put completely obvious statement all the heck over the place on YouTube then some day somebody might read one of my rants and be reassured that they're not the only one who's upset about it all.
I should just write 'Dear World:' at the top of every comment I post.
your pretty but need an eye lift-eyelids to much skin
danieldaring 1 year ago
This is beautiful writing. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your openness and candor and in regard to the last poster, to whom your response was more than gracious--Forgive this little sideslap to SWSimpson: Hey jerk, who are you to say who this is or isn't about. She's a mother who's son is at war. Get it? If not, get lost. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
I hope he is done with his tour by now and doing well!
Damis101 1 year ago
I see that this poem was written over 2 years ago, it could have been written yesterday. I hope your son is back with you.
andrewnorris1 1 year ago
Wow, you made me cry. Thank you all the sacrifices you and all the mothers of our military have made. Love this poem!
TeresaSemenuk 1 year ago
You made me cry. That was really good. My husband is in Iraq right now and this is his second tour of duty. I wrote a song for his mother. We do happen to be Republican but it does not make a difference, like you said, as to being 100% behind our soldiers. My mother in law and myself have gotten much closer this year since he's been gone. I included my video that I made. Let me know what you think.
saramary33 2 years ago
This one struck deep.
BigPrairieDude 2 years ago
*Beautiful* Thank You for Sharing.
God Bless You and Your Children.
JoSieLove2Sing4u 3 years ago
I'm with you all the way on this. I help train soldiers sometimes myself, and worry, when we shake hands at completion of the exercise, whether they have learned anything that will save one more family from a tragic loss.
My thoughts are with you and your son.
leftysergeant 3 years ago
Those of us who have no children in Iraq cannot possibly understand what you must face everyday.
Although I've been against this war from the beginning, I have nothing but respect for someone who is willing to take on a job with so much at stake. This is a beautiful, moving poem.
tjkoz22 3 years ago
Very beautiful poem. I hope your days are sunnier as time passes. And we all pray for the safe return of all sons and daughters, all mothers and fathers. Bless you!
desertjournalonline 4 years ago
Being the son of an Air Force Colonel who went to war and not knowing if he would return; and later as the brother of another Air Force officer/pilot; I never gave the impression to my nephews and niece that their father didn't have 100% of my support- politics put aside. People tend to forget, even soldiers, how the families sacrifice and how we too are expected to be "good soldiers." It isn't easy.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
Excellent. just. excellent. Anne
ChameleonArt 4 years ago
Poetivity.If I could I would take his place and he can come home. Your son is a brave soldier who stands for his Country. I hope he comes home safe. I salute you and all of the families.
blueshadow1996 4 years ago
thanks blueshadow...I prefer that no one is there.
Poetivity 4 years ago
I hope your son, and every other American over there, comes back alive, well, and soon.
That's all that I really have the right to say.
Peace be with you.
merrimac290 4 years ago
he iz brave to do that and you are brave to tell us this poem. I haz to give you a favrit for dis video.
Willowthebluefairy 4 years ago
oh Kim...you made me cry a little. I often think about the parents of the soldiers over there, and wonder how they are coping (or not). I hope that you all are able to find little moments of peace in between the moments of fear and anxiety, that your sons and daughters return home safely, that you all get to hold your kids again. I know this isn't possible for every parent, but I wish it was.
dandieelyon 4 years ago
Hi, Kim! I really iked this poem. May I post it on "The Poetry Corner?"
Largo64 4 years ago
Thank you. Certainly!
Poetivity 4 years ago
Kim, this was a fine poem. I especially appreciated the "silent depleting sky," and your redeeming of the cliche of "lead heart" by following it up with the brilliant "echo chamber head."
But enough lit crit. O the enormity of a son at war. Writing helps. It helps more if everyone comes back safe.
What an utterly stupid, but understandable war. Sad, again, sad.
virtualrabbi 4 years ago
I think the point is that it *starts* with something that doesn't make any sense. Why were the Kurds denied a homeland? Why does Osama hate the West enough to kill what he knows are innocent people? When you start with that foundation anything you build is going to be absurd.
What makes sense is that a mother loves her children.
That makes sense.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
If I'm wrong and you are in charge of everything, though, Kim, do stop the war.
The pen is mightier than the sword, but only the finest words are more powerful than a signature on a check.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
I wish I was in charge of everything.
Poetivity 4 years ago
I feel for you, Kim.
DahliaK 4 years ago
"SS mothers?" Title...Schell Shocked...
popsuckits 4 years ago
thank you.
13thDimension 4 years ago
More than 1 million civillian killed in Iraq... Yes, he is doing his job!!!
wasatime 4 years ago
My son is a medic. His job is to help...not harm.
Poetivity 4 years ago
Wasatime,
Ordinarily, foreign policy decisions are made by the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of State, and the National Security Council--not by American boys and girls or their frightened fathers and mothers.
Blaming soldiers for their commanders' decisions is the worst form of blaming the victim.
Prosecutors start at the bottom of the chain of command. Voters should start at the top.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
the world should start at the top and hold Bush and Cheney up for war crimes.
Poetivity 4 years ago
With all due respect, Reliable, this is still a government by, of and for the people. I think that Americans must live with the accountability for their choices and actions. Saying "it's the government" not the people doesn't make it so. Feeling powerless is not an excuse. You can't just opt out because you have a contrary thought or feeling.
Ben
virtualrabbi 4 years ago
So, Rabbi, you're saying it's the fault of people who voted for Bush.
I think it's all of our fault's because we don't talk enough with out neighbors about politics. The naive become vulnerable to television commercials selling candidates and to AM hate radio.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
But I also think that's the last thing that Poetivity should have to be worrying about.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
You are right on about the media. Some of us are less vulnerable than others, but mostly we have been numbed into the consumer paradise of submission and depressed into not voting. Check out the studies on loneliness in america for proof that even will all the 'communication' we have no one to talk to. PS - You Tube is a part of that phenom, too.
virtualrabbi 4 years ago
I would normally agree with you in a United States that was running the way it is supposed to. This Administration has taken power the way dictators take power. The government no longer reflects or responds to the will of the people.
Poetivity 4 years ago
When only 30% of eligible voter show up at the polls, that is inevitable. When only 14% say they like what Congress is doing, but 98% of Congress gets re-elected, what should we expect. It is not much different than a parent telling a child they dislike their behavior, but providing no natural consequences. The behavior is encouraged. Of course the US isn't running the way it's supposed to. All the voters are busy watching TV and being depressed into numbness.
virtualrabbi 4 years ago 3
Ben: what you say is true in a general sense, but I did not vote for Bush nor do I support his actions, so holding me personally responsible along with ALL Americans is BS over simplifying. It is the same as saying that ALL Germans are responsible for the actions of Adolph Hitler. In time, outcries and dissemination of information can change things, but speaking in such broad terms is not accurate nor fair.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
I disagree when you say: "true in a general sense." In this federal republic one of our basic tenets is "of the people." We are all collectively responsible and accountable for our political process and the actions of our government. Voting is merely the chosen mechanism whereby we govern ourselves. Hitler was an individual, but 650,000 people participated directly and indirectly in carrying out or abetting the mass murders of non-combatants. It is both just and fair that we be responsible.
virtualrabbi 4 years ago
My mother died this week. I spoke to my son for the first time since he's been in Iraq just yesterday. He has been in numerous firefights...he's just the medic, but he has lost one soldier and saved the life of another. I didn't know he was in so much danger until yesterday. Now I feel like my head is going to explode.
Poetivity 4 years ago
Mom, this isn't about you, it's about your Son. Be proud of him, instead of being overcome with your own fears. Try to speak without using the words "I" and "me" when you speak of his courage and his sense of duty, and that he is there to save lives. That's a pretty special young man you have with a lot to be proud of. I meant as a way to help you...
SWSimpson 4 years ago
You must not have children.
Poetivity 4 years ago
SWSimpson, have you ever served in the military? Are you really getting what she is saying about her feelings about the war and the situation her son is in?
As an old soldier, I should think it would be easier to accept such condolences if we could all believe that the mission was neccessary, well-thought-out, and being directed by a command structure that had the proper military skills.
(That last part is the most obviously flawed part of the scheme.)
leftysergeant 3 years ago
I must apologize for continuing an argument at such a difficult time for you. I should simply have ignored the comment. May you be comforted and have your son back safely and soon. You don't need to "support our troops," you have given everything you have to give. No one need ask about your 'beliefs'--that is ultimately shallow.
virtualrabbi 4 years ago
But Poetivity expressed her beliefs and I listened. And I stand with her, as do millions of Americans who are sick and tired of this fgd war. I've released a video Let's End The Empire! on YouTube. Make sure you also read the sidebar and go to the links. We can no longer afford the comforts and security enjoyed only by the richest people in the world - I say it's time to end corporate welfare! Take our Government back!
desertjournalonline 4 years ago
Poetivity..I am sorry for your loss,Your son will return home safely as they take care of each other.I pray you see your sons grandchildren..I wish GWB decides to surprise evryone and pull the troops out,just as quick as OIF was launched...I offer my deepest sympathies in losing your Mother..Maybe she can watch over him from Heaven.
blueshadow1996 4 years ago
Everyone cannot be responsible for every single law passed in every single state; nor is voting for the president a popular vote, you know that, and this system was set in place long before I was born. Secondly, Hitler and the participants- yes; EVERY German citizen? No. So, for the war crimes of Bush, if so determined, we'll just have them execute you, okay? Thanks for being responsible!
SWSimpson 4 years ago
You must be one of those who feel guilty about everything. "For the People" and "by the People" comes with Amendments and a Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
I agree. We must learn from the lessons of Vietnam. The soldiers returning home were treated like shit and blamed for what was beyond them. The leaders who sent them there and kept them there should be held accountable. Which is my problem with Jane Fonda- she attacked the soldiers directly.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
That more than 1 million is an erroneous number. If there wasn't so much hatred between different factions of religion and tribal prejudices, etc., and bombing each others mosques and shopping districts, those numbers would be far less. They are killing each other in great numbers. They needed a brutal dictator to keep them in line.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
If Bush knew that it took a Saddam Hussein to maintain peace, if Bush knew that life under Bush would be even WORSE than life under Hussein . . .
then he never should have invaded in the first place.
It feels as though we are spending $500,000,000,000 a year . . . just to make the situation over there worse.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
This war has cost us far too much. Republicans have paid with taxpayer's money and with the lives of our children to turn Iraq into a safe haven for terrorists.
The Republican Party is not fiscally responsible after all.
Vote for Democracy in 2008.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
You're preaching to the choir here. The Bush administration is responsible, and they lied to the nation.
SWSimpson 4 years ago
You're absolutely right.
I imagine that millions of Americans are going to read our comments when in fact the counter clearly shows 289 views. Of the video. Who knows if anyone reads the comments but you and me and maybe Kim. Hi Kim. :)
ReliableInsider 4 years ago
I figure that if I put completely obvious statement all the heck over the place on YouTube then some day somebody might read one of my rants and be reassured that they're not the only one who's upset about it all.
I should just write 'Dear World:' at the top of every comment I post.
ReliableInsider 4 years ago