Soldier Blue

(one from the archives, Beth in the Army cadets)

Petite fleur,

time flies, it's all a blur,

since you aged two

waded in wellies.

Soldier blue,

water over the brim,

wet feet, warm hands, wide smile.

Now you've grown and own

army boots.

They'll keep you grounded

while we dumbfounded

admire your choice

while hearing the strength of your

fine and independent voice.

 

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i can feel the proud vibes exude from this write...quite the tribute.
the title reminded me of a seventies film with Candace Bergen...called Soldier Blue...
did you ever see that?

the last part will really make the viewer quite angry if he or she has any heart at all.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

I didn't see Soldier Blue Jacob, but did hear the ending was brutal. I was familiar with it, hence the title and also the navy blue wellie boots and blue mac. Thank you.

Chris

[Aurora]

Such a warm embrace packed in such few words for a friend you clearly have much affection and pride for.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Aurora, there is indeed much warmth and love here, for my granddaughter Beth who has lived with us since she was a year old. I appreciate your visit. Have a good day.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

love the boots connections .. something about that ;) great title ..hooked me straight away ... free form is very fluid .. i feel the conflicting emotions of a Dad, me, watching one of me daughters trudge off to one branch of another ... so frightening ... so very proud ... tho none of my children chose the Armed Services route .. i feel every bit of it in reading ... so ... well done says i! well done indeed
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E and a good morning from me. So happy that this old poem posted out for an airing, brought the Dad out in you. We are proud of our young ones aren't we? Wishing you all the best always. Happy for your visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ma'am ...i'm the Da! ;)

[emmajoy]

Whilst you've created a wonderful scene from the past, even more is the sincerity of both love and pride you have for your Beth. This really is a gentle and more than fine piece of writing, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Em, thank you so much for reviewing this little oldie, out for an airing. I owe you some visits. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[emmajoy]

I don't keep a note of when or if, luv., you've such a buzzzy life, you must need a touch or few of calm sometimes!

Reading about Beth reminded me of my niece Caro., she lived with me for five plus years after her mother died but not far from her dear dad. Over time she became not merely niece but fu-loving, logical friend and - a wonderful woman. I'm immensely proud of her! So, truly understand how you are about Beth..

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, we may not have birthed them, but how we love them Em. You are right about busy. There is so much to do. I keep popping in here inbetween other stuff that needs doing:)

[emmajoy]

Doing the same at present, but not as physically busy as you... in a way, regretfully. Spoil yourself now and again, please. x

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Great write! Immediately drew my younger brother to mind. Watched him grow up and become a Navy man, who is now a police officer. This was a wonderful read.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Travis. Pleased it made you think of your brother. I appreciate your visit.

read moreMany thanks Travis. Pleased it made you think of your brother. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

That's the way it goes Christine
Playing with little toys
THEN
Play becomes real > little cars become real ones > fighter jets
Timid/shy: girl/boy gains confidence and a leader

[Chris Shaw]

The way of the word Wild Rose. Thank you and a good Sunday morning to you.

Chris

[kentuck14]

My daughter was in the Air Force for 6 years . . . was proud of her service . . . and surprised because she was so independent!!! They certainly surprise you!!!
T

[Chris Shaw]

You are spoiling me Tom with so many visits in one day. I admire your patience. Yes I share your sense of pride. Your daughter and my granddaughter have both made us proud.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Beth, has my congratulations for being such a wonderful young lady...... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. She is growing into a fine young woman. We are very proud of her. Just finishing her A levels. One more philosophy paper to do yet. Fingers crossed.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I love the ease with which you switch from freeverse to rhyming poetry. Your rhyming is easy on the eye and ear. A difficult thing to do as many write to rhyme rather than write into a natural rhyme. This is a lovely piece describing your watching of the young lady's progress into adulthood.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I never used to write in free verse but decided to try my hand at it for a bit of variety. Happy to do both. Many thanks for checking this memory out.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

Very clear and true. Well stated.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lea Sheryn for your visit on this little memory of our Beth. Most appreciated.

read moreThank you Lea Sheryn for your visit on this little memory of our Beth. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

You're welcome. I will.

[Chris Shaw]

The read more is a computer gliche, not some thing I was responsible for. I wouldn't be that cheeky:)

[Lea Sheryn]

Ok. I'm going to read more anyway. I enjoy your poetry. I like it; I just can't write it myself. :-))

[Chris Shaw]

The more you read poetry, the easier it will be for you to write it yourself. That's how I started :)

[Lea Sheryn]

I just finished reading a section on poetry in a book called Life and Literture. It was quite interesting.

I tried writing before but don't seem to get the rythym. Perhaps I'll try again. I enjoy writing in prose.

[Chris Shaw]

Write in a style you feel comfortable with.

[Lea Sheryn]

True. We should stay with what we do best. :-))