Two poems. By a old Poet and a live one.

I love the old Poets. Some died before they had the chance to do great things. Sergeant Joyce Kilmer words are powerful as 90 years ago. Coyote

            Tree

(Sergeant Joyce Kilmer. Born December 6, 1886-died in battle July 30, 1918. My favorite poem. So beautiful and true.)


           I think that I shall never see
           A poem lovely as a tree
 
            A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
             Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
 
              A tree that looks at God all day,
              And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
 
              A tree that may in Summer wear
               A nest of robins in her hair;
 
               Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
                Who intimately lives with rain.
 
                  Poems are made by fools like me,
                   But only God can make a tree.


 (Thank you Sergeant Joyce Kilmer for leaving such beautiful words for us to read. Great Poets need to be remembered.) 



             
                     WAR, what it is good for?

 (Edwin starr voice can't never be equal)

                            NOTHING

Sitting on the Iraq border.
 My division of Soldiers are waiting for orders to move.. 

 
Old country boy talk of the Tennessee river.
He tells us" I will be fishing all day soon.
I miss the green grass.
 Ain't a damn tree anywhere."


 
Old soldier wallet full of pictures.
He love to show you them.
He has a story for every photo.
I listen and don't complain.
Some sort of peace when you talk of family.

 
The Chaplain is coming.
Soldiers gather together.
All religion is the same here.
We pray and listen to the Chaplain.
He always ask any requests for a song.
I request the song Amazing Grace always.

 
Soldier will defend their country.
Don't complain too much about the war.
Just do what must be done.
 

Going home keeps the soldier hopeful and strong.
Nothing better then a letter from a wife and family member.

 
Death is a subject not discussed.
The sweet dream of home keep the soldier spirit strong.

 
Sure would be nice to see  the forest in the spring.
 Go fishing with old dad.
 
                         Coyote
                         Jan 2009
 
 
 
 
 

Author's Note

We appreciate the simple things when we can't have them.

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"Two poems By a old poet and a live one..."
Coyote Poetry,
I have a nephew serving right now. He has been in for about a month and a half. I have a son who served and is now out. Two uncles on my dad's side, two on my mom's and mother's father as well. Their are other relatives as well. Your poem and it's personal touches were very touching to me. I too find trees to be winsome, strong and a great inspiration. The way you use your love of this poem by Sergeant Joyce Kilmer is a wonderful entrance for your own thread woven through this piece of writing. It is interesting to see the feeling of someone living in another generation so close to what soldiers would feel now. Human beings are blessedly the same in war. The song starting your poem is also really fitting. "What is war for?" It is a part of an imperfect life and existance just like this life for all humanity and every creature and creation. God is the clue that it has His great thumbprint though.the way we deal with pain,inescapable as it is...through our covering in Christ. His perfect life for ours. His blood sacrificed on sin's battlefield. All die but all can live eternally. wonderful writing dear man who served our country, and thank you!
Blessings,
Kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

I followed Family tradition. Grandfather, father and I served. Still I pray for no-more war. I pray my grandchildren are not fighting old wars. Thank you Kathy for reading and the kind words.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

I came across this poem of yours again. It reminded me of the fragility of life and how precious. Our lives do matter dear Coyote.
Kathy

[m.s.early]

Extraordinary.
Im going to Afghanistan next Friday. Not as a soldier. As a contractor.

[Coyote Poetry]

Just be careful my friend. Being a contractor. You are helping rebuilt. We appreciate our home when we see other places. Good luck, safe journey and keep us contact.

[sette]

i remember the poem tree from my first speech class almost four decades ago, it is indeed a poem worth remembering

[Coyote Poetry]

A poem of legend and thank you dear friend for reading and the comment.

[Valentine]

John wouldn't it be a blessing if people could just put up with each others differences and never have war again. Kathie

[Coyote Poetry]

I wish this could be. A world where war is myth and tale. Thank you Kathie for reading and the comment.

[Ice QueenJen]

The first one I remember reciting it when I was a teenager, short yet lovely. And the second, what can I say but wow!, you wrote just what a soldier would be thinking while doing a very hard and tiring job... wanting to be back home.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right my friend. Home, keeps a soldier sane. Thank you Jen for reading and the comment.

[Art]

Two poems with wisdom for all...

[Dakota]

My husband's letters are filled with the same. The smell of the pine trees during hunting season, beers and buddies by the lake, steaks, the Texas stars, he goes on for hours it feels like when you read them. It makes the heart ache in a familar sense just thinking about it.

[Kasey Jones]

This is so beautiful. Its shows how nature is reflected in the human spirit. I love this.

[Huggy Bear]

I love it. Very beautiful written.

[SimplyDisastrous]

Your poems are always so long! Lol. Just saying. But excellent work as always.