He stood his ground

He stood his ground

 

 

On a rocky cliff,

He was mortally hit.

 

On a rocky cliff he gave his life,

so his brothers could live.

 

Looking into his brothers eyes with broken back…

“I can’t continue on, tell my family I did my best. I’m sorry I failed you.”

His brothers new he would give his life with his last breath on that unknown hillside on that cold and winters day.

The last they heard was the sound of his M16 and the battle cry that resounds in their hearts to this day.

 

But they remembered…

The close shaved hair cut he wore, how his uniform was wrinkled, the smile he always wore even in the heat of battle.

This music he listened to…even the stuff no one liked.

The poetry he wrote, the stories he wanted to write

The way he listened. The look in his eye that said “I know what you’re going through.

They remembered all of that and more as they heard the last of the M16 rounds give way to the cries of the enemy as his barrel fell silent…and one last cry of defiance.

 

He was more than a solider, he was a brother.

 

I don’t know what else I could ever say for the ones who gave more than they were asked.

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[ANTO]

Ron, I dont know what to say. Holy God but this moved me this morning.
Your homage - dignified, loving, full of honour and respect, filled with memories that must tear at the very soul but which ultimately raise the spirit.
I think you have written the most moving poem I have EVER read on here in all my years here.
I feel honoured that you asked me to review it. Thank you.

[ron]

Thank you Anto. This never took place. I think I should make that disclaimer. But your words...I thank you.

[ANTO]

Your words moved me. You're very welcome R.

[ron]

Than I thank you Anto.

[Lyn Anderson]

One does not have to appreciate or understand war to honour the memories of the people who fight.

[ron]

So very true KL.

[JayceeC]

This is beautiful. It describes valor at its best in the midst the ugliness that is war. It's a love story really that you have brought to light to those who have never known the brotherhood and closeness formed within the military. This story is not only about the love his comrades had for him, but his for his comrades, and his willingness to give everything for them. That is a deep love.
Structurally, I had to look at this a couple of times, but I like it. The way he stands alone and the concreteness of that stand and mountains. and then the change to open narrative. It works well here and creates this very moving and powerful write. Very moving.

[ron]

The midst the ugliness that is war...is what some of us are called to, to protect. but war is ugly and has no consideration for the ones that are caught in it...(Those are the ones I cry for the most).
All the ones I served with would give their life for their brothers, I guess that is what makes us who we are. It's hard to explain those feelings, that love for your brother in arms, it forms a bond that cannot be broken...
Thank you JayceeC, from the bottom of my heart.

[JayceeC]

My life was in the midst of that brotherhood during Vietnam my earliest memories revolve around life on base and that community. My Dad passed away from cancer shortly after but we were surrounded by that family during a very difficult time. They were family. Semper fi.~Jan

[ron]

Semper fi sister. My Grand father on my Moms side, my Dad and Godfather, and now my step son are all Marines.
My first memorizes are of me standing on the parade field in Camp Pendleton as a baby.

[JayceeC]

There was nothing more exciting than the squadron's return as a kid with all the fan fare. It usually meant Dad haf goodies for us from wherever he'd been. My earliest memories are of the hangers at Camp Lejeune. Dad was a avionics officer and W4. I was pretty young when we left there but could draw you a map of housing area and the marina.

[ron]

The "squadron's return?" I don't know that one.

[JayceeC]

when Dad's Squadron returned from a long TOD in Okinawa, they had a greeting. I remember getting all dressed up in my sunday dress with my white patent shoes and we went to the grand stands at the air strip to welcome them home. Mom got us all out of school for that. I think I drove my mom crazy because I couldn't see and got bored. I just remember being on my brothers shoulders (he's 13 yrs older) and watching the plane land and not being able to tell which one was my dad at first. It had been over 6 months and that was in the 70's so we only had infrequent phone calls. Our whole house was buzzing for days before, everything had to be perfect. I can also remember parades with the marine band playing at the parade field.. They also had big air shows every so often. I'm not sure if that was on a special occasion for something or not or if it was a holiday.

[Konigin]

Hit a sweet spot with this one

Thank you Ron for your service. And thank you for this beautiful poem.

[ron]

Thank you and your welcome Chelsea.

[Konigin]

Welcome! :)

[MandaBear]

Wow this really was a moving poem. I know if any solider heard this they would know exactly what you meant. What a inspiring poem Ron! Great job. 1000/1000

[ron]

Thank you Manda.

[MandaBear]

You're welcome =)