Saturday, November 8, 2008

A Soldiers Homecoming

In these uncertain days in a world of wars, most assuredly the thoughts must cross the minds of those leaving for the countries of war. Will they be the one who may not return?

This poem is dedicated to all the combat forces of today.


A Soldiers Homecoming

Time is fast approaching when, I shall soon be home
Has it really been so long that I’ve been gone?
Your memory is like sweet music, to my mind when I lay prone,
But your smell and tender touch, is what I long for while I’m gone.

How long is long, in life my friend, with years still yet to come
For this parting in my memories, I will keep,
As I treasure all the moments, when once more I am home
For in that magic moment, for you I know, I’ll weep.

All the hours that I have lost, won’t really mean a thing
For this country is the thing that I’ve missed most,
All the pain, my longing, will be but a moments sting,
For has it really been that long, since I was there on your coast.

The time is fast approaching when, I shall soon be home
And my wanderings, will be a thing soon, of the past,
All else will be forgotten, as I no longer roam
All else, except the hunger for the country, I might have lost.

Eric Valentine Sept. 18/94 ©

22 comments:

BBC said...

It's veterans day here next Tuesday. I would like to see the day when there is no veterans day because men refuse to fight each other anymore.

It's all so stupid. And I live in the dumbest country in on the frigging planet for promoting it all.

cyclopseven said...

First of thank you for this beautiful blog.

'All else, except the hunger for the country, I might have lost'- This line sum up the whole spirit of a soldier..his soul. Great piece.

Eric Valentine said...

bbc, I think it would be everyones wish that there be an end to all wars.

Unfortunately, that is not very realistic in today's world, so one can but hope for peace in their time. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Hello cyclopseven, thank you for your visit to my blog.

I appreciate your kind words about my poem and you are right of course about the soldier's spirit, and the soul.. That's how I felt when I wrote it. Please visit again.. :)

swenglishexpat said...

Eric, your words dovetail well with the images I have just seen. I have just been watching some of the Remembrance Sunday at the cenotaph in London. Of course we don't want war, but ... It is moving, in particular when you see thousands of people absolutely quiet and still, remembering those who had to go to war.

Forsythia said...

I can't imagine going off to war. I hope our grandsons never have to. Your poem captures the soldier's homesickness, and yet his willing acknowledgment that he still has work to do. So many lives disrupted and lost. When will we ever learn?

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Swen. I used to watch the services at the cenotaph in London on TV in the past. It is always a stirring event to witness.

One wonders how many of the thousands are still alive from the war days, like me they are getting long in the tooth.

I think it is imperitive that the remembrance ceromonies take place each year; both out of respect for the sacrifice of the dead and the memory of the atrocities that still go on today. When will they ever learn~

Eric Valentine said...

The fears of every parent & g/parent for their offspring Forsythia, thank you for your comment.

I doubt they will ever learn, not in our lifetime.

Sadly the saying of "Power corrupts" is so true and as a result, danger will be ever present. Therefore we must keep the vigil.

Stephanie said...

Still enjoying your blogs, Eric! It is me, CC!

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Stephanie, so nice to see you here again. I'm glad you still enjoy.

Incidently, you have the distinction of being my 8600 page reader.. Roundie grabber!! LOL

RoySr said...

Eric, it's so go to find you again .... Just had a refreshing hour's read on your sites. Glad you are still writing.

Augs Casa said...

I have missed visiting your site mate. I hope you are well and well as the missus. I think and talk about you often. I really enjoyed this read. It was excellent as usual.

I hope to visit more often. Be well mate.

Eric Valentine said...

It's so good to see you again also Roy, it has been a long time and with so many changes in life as I'm sure you've experienced as well my friend. I hope things are well with you & the family. Thanks for your visit hope to see you here again. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Augs my mate thank you! How have you been? I was sorry to hear of your BIL's accident hope all is better now. You have been missed in blogging cirles, see U soon.. :)

Singing Stream said...

Wonderful poem Eric...as always, right from your dear heart.

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you singing stream, nice seeing you here again.. :)

Janice Thomson said...

I like your take on this Eric - that is indeed the true essence of the soldier. But gosh when will humanity ever learn...

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Janice for your kind thoughts. I think we will always be asking that question. Answers in our time would be nice. :)

Sam!! said...

Such a beautiful poetry Eric.. its always good to read you dear friend:))

Take care

Eric Valentine said...

Good to see you Sam and thank you for the compliment..

Keep well. :)

zirelda said...

Oh Eric. I really love your poetry. This poem has such feeling to it.

Thank you.

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Zirelda, thank you for such a nice compliment, I am glad you get enjoyment from my work.. :)

Have a great weekened.. :)