Small Pain In My Chest by Michael Mack
The soldier boy was sitting calmly underneath that tree.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light.
"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could.
"A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest -
A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest."
As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
"Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest."
"Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest."
"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest."
"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."
"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?"
"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest.
I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.
As I approached it, I could see him beckoning to me.
The battle had been long and hard and lasted through the night
And scores of figures on the ground lay still by morning's light.
"I wonder if you'd help me, sir", he smiled as best he could.
"A sip of water on this morn would surely do me good.
We fought all day and fought all night with scarcely any rest -
A sip of water for I have a small pain in my chest."
As I looked at him, I could see the large stain on his shirt
All reddish-brown from his warm blood mixed in with Asian dirt.
"Not much", said he. "I count myself more lucky than the rest.
They're all gone while I just have a small pain in my chest."
"Must be fatigue", he weakly smiled. "I must be getting old.
I see the sun is shining bright and yet I'm feeling cold.
We climbed the hill, two hundred strong, but as we cleared the crest,
The night exploded and I felt this small pain in my chest."
"I looked around to get some aid - the only things I found
Were big, deep craters in the earth - bodies on the ground.
I kept on firing at them, sir. I tried to do my best,
But finally sat down with this small pain in my chest."
"I'm grateful, sir", he whispered, as I handed my canteen
And smiled a smile that was, I think, the brightest that I've seen.
"Seems silly that a man my size so full of vim and zest,
Could find himself defeated by a small pain in his chest."
"What would my wife be thinking of her man so strong and grown,
If she could see me sitting here, too weak to stand alone?
Could my mother have imagined, as she held me to her breast,
That I'd be sitting HERE one day with this pain in my chest?"
"Can it be getting dark so soon?" He winced up at the sun.
"It's growing dim and I thought that the day had just begun.
I think, before I travel on, I'll get a little rest ..........
And, quietly, the boy died from that small pain in his chest.
I don't recall what happened then. I think I must have cried;
I put my arms around him and I pulled him to my side
And, as I held him to me, I could feel our wounds were pressed
The large one in my heart against the small one in his chest.
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Rating: N/A |
At times we may forget that soldiers are just people like everyone else. They laugh, they cry, they have sweethearts and mothers, birthdays and favorite cars - and they die.
Sometimes when we are celebrating victories we forget about those who made it possible, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Sometimes when we are celebrating victories we forget about those who made it possible, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
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beautiful, and heartbreaking for sure. - jan |
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I LoVeD this poem - Katelyn |
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I vote this poem to be one of the best, a perfect ten - Mike |
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I loved this freakin poem. it ment so much to me and i could feel the words. - Tyrone |
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i love this poem it is very heart touching - dasha |
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Im married to a soldier, he has served in the military for over 20 years now. I am so glad that he has made it through with minimal scars. It is the scars on the inside though that will forever live on in his heart. Thank you for this touching poem that brings what our men and woman in the military close to our heart. - Amy |
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So sweet. so achingly sweet. The poetry was simple, concise, and beautiful. It perfectly portrays love and bravery in a young "soldier boy". I love it. - Smiley |
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OMG!I have just read this great poem and it's so beautiful and it touched my heart so much. I have made a copy so before i go to bed i can read it over and over again. I knew it was the right poem to read to my english class. And i have to say theirs not many like that poem that touches mu heart. bye - justine |
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Great poem! i loved it it was beautiful - Samantha |
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This poem is amazing. It is so touching. Just Amazing. not sure which word to use. just. wow! - Tika |
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this made was very touching and made me weep - Mary |
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This poem. is just wow. He tells a story and it is just so touching to read. I loved this poem! - Krista |
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I see the flowers on the rolling hills, wind gently flowing the blades of grass of sea green on my ranch. As our devoted soilders risk and give thier lives for me to sit at peace, enjoying the freedom and solitude they so bravely gave to me. A tear is not enough, your poem reminds me how fortunate I am and how gratefull I should be. Thank you for your poem - caroline |
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Kudos! It's been awhile since a poem had me choked up by the end. My brother is overseas now in a land where no boy should be. I pictured him so vividly while reading your poem. Wonderful job in putting together such an expression into words! - Sevin |
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This poem was so touching and so relevant to our world today that I thought I had to vote for it. Many people back home cannot comprehend how it must feel to be on the front line in a war - the fear and the worry that these men and women must feel. By voting for this poem, I somehow feel that I am giving my support in remembering soldiers that gave their lives to their countries and their fellow countrymen. We really cannot thank you enough. - Heledd |
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This is a truly FANTASTIC poem, it was very moving. - Sean |
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It was very touching. I think it's a brilliant poem, beautifully written. - gopa |
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this is a really nice poem. it makes me wanting for more of your brilliant work of art. keep up the good work. - poeticart |
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I love to read and write poems, this touched my heart. We so often forget about our men and women fighting for our country. This is a small reminder of it. We lose them everyday and here we all sit in some comfort, while they are risking thier lives. Great job with this poem. I hope it touchs others as it touched me. I pray that God will keep them all safe from harm. - Brenda |
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WOW! That poem was amazing. It made me feel what you were saying. It was beautiful. Thankyou for your work - Jennifer |
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i cried and i rarely do - chamian |
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i love all of your poems you are a great athour please write another for me to read. the stories you tell are always with passion, i enjoy your stories very much. - lodaina |
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This poem was very touching. It makes you appreciate what the soldiers are doing to on their own free will to fight for owr freedom. I wish the world would show more appreciation for them. After all they are someone's son and daughter - E |
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Your poem really touched my heart. My younger brother lost both of his legs fighting the war we are in now. He almost lost his life,I thank god for sparing him,and pray for the families of the soldiers not so fortunate. God bless each and everyone of them. - JENNIFER |
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I liked this poem very much. It was very touching. - jill |
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This poem is so timely. If we keep it close, we will surely remember to pray daily for our boys and girls in this awful terrorist war. - Doris |
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I love this poem. It is sweet, enduring, and inspiring. Great Job! - Shannon |
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WOW! This poem is really touchy. I dont konw that we still have some one that write am emotional poem like this. You just make my day with this piece of poem. Good job! keep it up! - mosunmola |
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I have read something like this before it is really nice to know wat our soldiers really feel i guess this is the best poem i ever read in my life time. Thanks for making us reliase that soldiers are also human like us thanks it was beautiful. - Diana |
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. the last line. the heart touching the chest. all of it. filled with emotion; I cried. - sandi |
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This was a heartstopping poem that touched me very deeply. your poem made me see what i usauly want to ignore. thanks - LaRochelle |
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as i was reading it, tears were going down my cheek, i think that says how much it touched me. - karina |
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This is so sad. It makes you want to cry. At first I thought the "pain in his chest" was pain from seeing what he saw at war. - Shannon |
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it is a deep poem that im sure touched many people - leif |
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I was looking through the internet for something to read at my school read aloud and i think, so far, nothing i found is as wonderful and touching as this poem. it honestly made me cry myself. it has all the truth and warmth a poem needs to be loved by its readers and i urge you to keep writing becuase you honestly have the confidence and skills you need --karima - Karima |
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This is my first-time visit to this site. I was directly drawn to Small Pain in My Chest. This poem reminds me of a hollow I have in my heart everytime the memories of my late father come. I'm not a poetic person nor I'm able to write beautiful poems. But I like reading them. When I read the title, I imagined the feeling of losing. Mr. Mack beautifully and smoothly 'tells' the dying stages of the young soldier through simple words in a monologue. I love this poem. - Lusiana |
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this is a very nice poem it touches lives that feels and also help us to be there when someone needs us - zinchak |
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I love this poem it touched me because i have a cousin in the army that right now is in iraq and this poem tells me to keep him as close to me as possible. - Laura |
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This poem really touched me. I almost cried. I really love this work and feel that the person who wrote it should continue, because they obviously have a wonderful amount of talent! Sincerely, Amber - Amber |
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Very touching, Thankyou. - Laura |
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I really like it. I mean it touched and it's so sad,like it makes you think twice about everything,now I think im going to try poetry myself - Ndia |
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Very touching. - URSULA |
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loved it it truely touched me - Fady |
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you know that poem is very inspiring to alot of people, I do not know if it was someone thta was sikck but it meant alot to me because i am. we need more people like you to write. good job keep up the good work. - cecilia |
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You have done a GREAT job with your poem! It's been awhile since i read something so touching and close to home. My heart pores out to our soldiers and their families as well. I would like to see more of your work. keep up the good job! God bless - Carolyn |
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This poem was a great poem. Im sorry about your lost if the poem is true. you have great talent. your poem has reminded me to love your neighbors,friends,family,and your foes. and show love everyday. iloved your poem, it was great. - Sierra |
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Touching, sad, but beautiful. - Deon |
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Simple but has a deep story and meaning. Good job. - Mickie |
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Absolutely beautiful! I am an active duty soldier and have a lot of friends that are making sascrifices. I have seen first hand what this war has done to people, and to find it so eliquently put into words, it's absolutely beautiful! Thank you! - Barbara |
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wonderful! - anupam |
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I loved that poem! That was really amazing! Good job! - Miranda |
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out of all pomes i read this one really got to me i dont no how its just that its how it is like these days well done keep it up - nikita |
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Though poignant, this is a wonderful poem. I discovered it during the time I was trying to cope with losing a friend and co-worker in the Iraq Conflict who was in the US Army Reserve. All these guys who defend our country, past, present and future deserve more than we can ever give them. Poetry like this is a lasting tribute to those who gave everything. Thank you! - Billy J. |
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THIS IS THE SADDEST AND NICEST POEM I HAVE EVER READ IN MY LIFE. *CRIES* - Tea |
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Hi, All I can say is this. it`s the most beautiful thing that I have read in a very long time now. I could barely read the last two lines because I started to cry. I am not a kid anymore, I`m almost 24 years old but suddenly I started to cry like a little boy, I just couldn`t help it. Simply Beautiful, I`m out of words, your song has touched me deeply. thank you michael. - Tomer |
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this was a great poem. probly one of my favorites. it gave me a feeling of pride knowing that one day i will be a soldier and knowing that someone as talented as you is writing such magnificent poems. - Guy |
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I absolutely loved your poem! It makes me want to know who you are and more of your battles. If no one ever told you, Thank you! Dari Justice - Dari |
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I was looking for an inspirational poem and came across this one. Truly beautiful, but get the tissues ready before you read it. - Sheila |
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i cant explain how much i loved the poem i think that was the sadest but proudest poem i have ever heard in my life - charity |
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Michael, I love poetry and I write it myself but, I think I have NEVER been touched like I was by this poem. I have 2 brothers and a fiance' that serve in the military and have just returned from Iraq and Afganistan. I couldn't imagine them going through that and those thoughts of others circling their minds as they lay there dying. I got chills covering my body and tears in my eyes. You have a wonderful talent keep up that creativity flowing! Annie - Annie |
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AWESOME - Teresa |
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it broke my heart very very good - ron |
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One word: WOW! This poem touched me so deep i started crying. This is one of the most beautiful poems in the world. eleven thumbs up! (and that is how good it is as i only have two thumbs) - Kira |
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wow, this is one of the best poems i have ever read it really means alot - meagan |
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this is a great poem that touched my heart - amanda |
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absolutely beautiful. poems have touched me before, but never how this one has. beautifully written, and amazingly sad. Really makes you think about the men protecting us, and the sacrifices made for our sakes. Fantastic poem for the heros of the world. - Bret-Leah |
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omg this is a beautiful poem! i seriously have been touched! - Hanna |
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This is an Amazingly great Poem. I'm at a lost for words, this is my favorite poem ever. It's so captivating, that it kept me and my friends reading it three to four times. Amazing Job! - Oscar |
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This is the best poem i have ever read. It was really sad i think think i almost started to cry! - Shauna |
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This is reli touching. just beautiful. - kaaveryputhra |
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IM REALLY TOUCH BY THE POEM, ITS NICE AND IT REALLY TOUCHES MY HEART. BECUASE EACH OF US HAS A SMALL PAIN IN THE CHEST AND A BIGGER PAIN INSIDE. I KNOW WHAT THE PERSON FEELS. IT IS REALLY ONE OF THE BEST POEMS IVE READ IN MY WHOLE LIFE THROUGH! CONGRATULATIONS TO TH E WRITER - HARRY |
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Beautiful, it hit home and touched me in a special part of my heart. Thank you. - juli |
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I really enjoyed this poem, it was quit touching. Being a poet myself i know how good it feels to write a poem and be happy with it when you read it to yourself. You should get this published. I got a few of mine published and I couldn,t be happier. I have faith in you that you could win first place. Thanks for sharing your poem with me. Luv Always DeeDee - Melinda |
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oh my gosh! it touched me! it is so sad! i LOVE it! in school we are learning about poems, i will read this poem to my class. WELL DONE! :P :) - nikki |
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Beautiful poem. Beautiful writing. It gave me chills,brought tears to my eyes. I don't know if the author of this poem, experienced this himself,it sounds as if he did. Keep up your writing. I'd love to read more. - Karen |
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this poem is amazing ,increditable, I was gocking twards the end! I loved it! - tigger-sama |
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I think this is an awesome poem, it flowed very well and I really enjoyed it! - Danielle |
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This is the sadess poem I have ever read! I am doing a poetry notebook for my class, and I have to collect poems, I'm almost done, and I have read really good poems! But this one, doesn't even compare! This is my absolute favorite! You're awesome, and you really touched me. Thanxs. - kc |
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THIS POEM IS VERYTOUCHING AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME. SEE MY BABY BROTHER IS A MARINE . WELL NOT ACTIVE BUT U KNOW THE SAYING ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE . WE AS A COUNTRY NEED TO REMEMBER ALL OUR MEN AND WOMEN OUT THER OVERSEAS FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM . BECAUSE IT IS SAID TO SAY THIS COULD BE YOUR SON , BROTHER , HUSBAND OR LOVED ONE . THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT DOESNT GO BY THAT I AM THANKFUL THAT MY LIL BROTHER /BEST FRIEND IS NOT OVER THERE B/C I COULDN'T GO THREW WHAT THESE FAMILIES HAVE BEEN GOING THREW SINCE 9-1-01 ! I WOULD LOSE IT IF MY PARENTS CAME AND TOLD ME WE HAD LOST HIM WHILE HE FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS AND FREEDOM . MAY OUR GOD BLESS AND KEEP OUR SOLIDERS IN HIS HANDS AND BRING THEM ALL HOME TO THEIR LOVED ONES SAFE AND SOUND AND UNHARMED ONE DAY SOON - Hilary |
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Breath-taking. I really loved this poem, Great rhyming, flows perfectly, as well as dramatic and sad. You could tell the ending from the first line, yet it still struck a chord and almost brings tears. - Hunter |
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This poem is very good. - Sarbeswar |
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Dear Mr. Mack, your poem really touched me. I think about the people across the seas and i think about what they are really fighting for. What you have said in that one page is something i wish everyone could read and understand like i did. I am only 16 but i feel as if all of what you said is apart of me, apart of everybody. I want to thank you for letting me read this peom that must have been hard for you to write. thank you for your caring! Love, Lacey - Lacey |
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Its realy a touchy poem wich reveals a story of the soldier. we are safe due to them but still we never know what they feel. This was the first poem I ever read which said the story of a soldier. I apreciate the author for writing a poem on the untouched and ceralessly avoided topic. - Sweta |
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OMG i loved ur poem it made me cry keep it up later - SARA |
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Cool poem, nice usage of words, nice way of using war and humanity in the same space. - John |
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beautifull. I wish i had such a tallent - bik |
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This poem brought a tear to my eye. War gives us all little pains in our chest. Thank you for the quaintness and beauty. - Ranee |
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this poem is very touching,u can actually feel d pain as d author beautifully describes the struggle & strength of the soldier. i think its gr8! - shabnam |
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oh my gosh this is one of the best poems i have ever had the privilage of reading. this man is an amazing poet! - heather |
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I absolutely LOVED this poem! My b/f is in the Navy and this poem really touched me! - shOrtcaKe |
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Thank you for allowing me to remember all of the great pride I take in the United States of America and the brave and heroic soldiers fighting for our freedom. I too, take things for granted and I was once a Marine. Thank You for sharing a very emotional but "real" poem. - Leslie |
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Fantastic. What a way to look at wars in another perspective. - Darryl |
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This poem touched my heart and went straight to my soul. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! - Rosemarie |
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the poem is really touching and there were tears in my eyes as i went through it . - rashi |
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I just wanted to tell you that I think your poem, "The Small Pain In My Chest" is one of the best poems I have ever read in that category. Having watched as my brothers went off to World War 2 and the Korean war and to see the hurt and worry in my parents face is something I will never forget. My daily prayer is for all of our military men and women whom sacrifice so much so we can stay a free nation. May God Bless you and all of them. Sue - Sue |
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This poem made think about my husband, who's in the army on active duty, is so scary having your love ones in the frontline. God bless them and guard them all the time! - Gladys |
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I write this through humble tears! Bravo to Michael who honours and remembers those who allow us to live the life we do! Thank you for sharing. - Kimberly |
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GREAT WORK. TOUCHED ME. I FELT THE PAIN IN MY CHEST. - NADIA |
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This poem touched my heart,very sad ,but true,,keep up with your work,,! 5 stars from me,,thank you - elaine |
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That was a beautiful poem. I wish I could find adequate words to describe how grateful I am that the author posted it, but alas they have stolen speech from a long winded soul. No matter, I would gladly sacrifice all ability to express myself on any given day to hear again such touching poetry. - Mythic_Ruin |
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I really liked it alot. It made stop and think that it takes alot of courage for soldiers to fight for our country, especially for the people in our country, that the soldiers don't even know - Amber |
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What I liked best about this poem is the ability it has to touch the heart and render one to tears. Bravo! - Connie |
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You surely did serve in some war. My friend and I were just talking last night about how our hearts, gratitude and love go out to all who serve our country and the families they have to leave behind. I had five brothers that served in wars from world war 2 to the Vietnam war and this poem brought home so many memories of the sacrifices our men and women make for us. Thanks for such a heart touching poem. - Sue |
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My God. the man's a genius! - Natalie |
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The poem so beautifully captures the sadness and also the kindness found in our fellow man. So many so often gave their all. The world hurtles on but let us remember in this beautiful poem the futility of war. - Peter |
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wow! this poem hase toched me in evry way i steel have cheels all over me I love it! - amy |
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Simply Superb. I was deeply moved. - Ashok |
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I have read lot of the poems on this website and few have touched me as deeply as yours did. Thank you. - Allison |
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I have read this poem in my emails. I am certain it has circled the globe. Reading it here once again made my blood run cold. It is beautiful beyond belief, and my only regret is the cercumstances that brought it to us. God Bless you. - Misty |
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I really love that poem it really had me thinkin on how life is! - shanise |
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Usually I only rad love poems but this one caught my eye and I thought it was excellent. Congratulation to the writer. - Rachel |
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This poem is a beautiful peace of literature, I'm beginging to discover poetry myself. And by far this is my favorite, as well as the saddest ever read. I give it a 11 on a scale from 1-10. - Hunter |
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It is a very sweet thing to read, sweeter to realize how beutiful it is with tears so real! - tharangi |
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Your poem really touched me. it is great! - Kara |
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This is fantastic and sad. Beautiful Piece - Wayne |
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i thought it was very touching - ashlee |
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Simple yet touching. u can b a great poet one day. - Ethel |
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All I can Say is WOW This is very Good - Laura |
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This piece of poetry is deeply affecting. beautifully put together. - jeanette |
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found this poem excellent and that made me cry. With all my best regards and congratulations all the way down from Santiago de Chile - Jean Pierre |
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This is very good and I would think, echos the thoughts of many of our boys. - N |
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what a touching, excellent poem. beutifully written, by a beautiful author - Rebekah |
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Very sad - Patti |
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this poem was so sad and dramatic i felt like crying -im sorry for anything that happened-but we sometimes have to be strong although sometimes you still cant bear it. I hope you can have that strength though and good luck to you and im sorry for your friend who was lost - Marilyn |
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tremendous very moving touched me emesely brought tears to my eyes congrayes - voila |
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What can I say that someone else hasn't said. It is amazing. left me speechless and weeping. You have an incredible gift Michael. Please keep writing. Thank you. - Lori |
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this poem really expresses u and dont think theres another like it, its heart filled and could definetley win over some awards. u have a wonderful talent. never stop writting. it really takes people into a whole new world. - katie |
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This poem is wonderful I love it. - Carly |
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Well, what can I say? Being from a long line of sailors and in an NJROTC(Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps)I have loads of honor and respect for those who have gone before us. I'm sure that the knights in shining armor of our past thank you for telling the world exactly how much they gave so that we could live. There is a large pain in my heart also for that young soldier boy as well as for them all. - Jessica |
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Awesome! You brought the soldier to life. Many have never known the true pain of our countries heros. - Kelly |
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This is such a beautiful yet sad poem. Great gift you have - Guinn |
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Impresionante! i touches you. wow! - alejandra |
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SPEECHLESS I THINK THE TEARS THAT ARE RUNNING DOWN MY FACE. ARE WORDS ENOUGH! - JAYNE |
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Hi your poem is very touching and it made me realise how vulnerable our lives are. - Yian |
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this was one of the greatest things I have ever read. Im' leaving for the service soon and it's nice to know if I die its protecting people like this. Thank you - Tyson |
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you are an Excellent story teller. jd - Jeannie |
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Michael, this is an excellent poem. It was sad, but very inspirational. It's these experiences that help us to overcome obstacles in our lives, and I'm sure you will do great things. Keep the faith, and God bless. - Jen |
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OMG! Ive read alot of poems on this site. but none that touched my like yours did. nice job! Touching, it made me cry. - diane |
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wow. just. yea wow :D you have a gift and it's obvious to see. if all your poems are of this quality have you ever thought about getting a book published? anyway - fantastic work, keep it up because i'm sure i'm not the only person who will be looking out for your work in the future :) - Hayley |
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I had just written an essay about my experience with WWII service men coming home from war and finding "little girls" while they had grown into men when I read your poem. All this on Veterans Day! I really can't tell you how emotional it made me feel since Bush wants to declare war and I have had a father in WWI, a husband in WWII and a son in Vietnam. This poem reaches the very depths of my soul and when I read it to my husband (a WWII vet) along with my essay, even he cried. I would so much like to read more of your writing. - Barb |
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That was such a great poem. It actually made me sit and think of what it was actually like out there in those day. I actually cried to! - Sarah |
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truly amazing work, it was beautiful and heartfelt. - Dana |
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i must say that i've read this poem almost a 100 times and still touches me very deeply i've read your other poems also i know them all almost by heart - rhime |
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i have just read this poem and send it to my dad who is 82 and fought in the second world war in burma i am sure he will like it - ann |
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i am absolutely speechless - Emily |
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A poem so well written, with the ability to make you feel that pain - Paul |
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This has to be one of the most beautiful works ever written. I love it! - Melin |
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Michael that was the best poem that i ever have bein told, it gave gold to my soul. Thanx - Zira |
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I am new here to netpoets and so far id have to say this is the best poem on life ive ever seen. This poem makes you think about life and how short it could and can be - Cody |
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This was a very emotional poem and I really enjoyed it. - Cuds |
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USMC 1969-1972 I cried - David |
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i really like this poem it is really toughing and i wanna say good job on it and good luck on the rest of your poems - emmy |
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i really enjoyed this poem. i could feel the pain and the warm feeling going out to the soldier. - donna |
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THIS WAS GREAT AND I AM NOW ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS - BRITT |
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Awesome poem. there those who deserved to be remembered, but they are forgotten - Roman |
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Michael, great work! - Win |
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This poem is incredible! I am in tears and without words to express the emotions stirred within. - Earthspirit |
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This is my first visit to this excellent site (excellent because of poets like you!). Keep the good work up! Pure talent! - Maria |
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OMG, that was awesome. i have tears in my eyes. That only happens with a few poems. WOW, you can write well. Keep writing! - Aimee |
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Amazing! It really made me sit and think. - vanessa |
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this was a great poem! it was touching to the heart i would love to write like that is that a true story? - natalie |
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Michael-Wonderful poems as far as I've gotten. I just had to vote for this one. It touched me deeply since I've had 2 sons and ex-husband that were all military. God Bless--keep up the good works. - Joyce |
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i am new here and this is the first poem i read i felt struck by its poignancy. it went straight to my heart and mositened my eyes. above all, i relate to the small hole which can be so incredibly lethal. it can come in so many ways and shapes. - Sera |
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Absolutly amazing poem *tears* - Jill |
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YOU HAVE A GIFT. USE IT. PLEASE WRITE MORE! - Clare |
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This poem was well wordless I cant exspess it with words. - Zumba |
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Sad, but wonderful. I have two sons each of which have been in the service. One is a veteran of seventeen years plus a little, and I have silently been afraid for him most of that time. It's a wonderful poem despite my fears. - jim |
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this was so sad that i cried and i hope this poem is put on top. - brianna |
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your poem was the best I have ever read..I attend a special poets class at my school, if it is alright with you..can I share it with them..I am sure that they will in joy it alot..You are a talented poet..and don't ever give it up! - Alicia |
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this is such a good poem. it brought tears to my eyes. i think that you did such a good job writting this. i admire your ability to write. - mellisa |
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Touching peom, like a painters canvas, you see the vivid imagages come to life. Never before have I read a peom with so much feeling. Great one. Thank you for sharing it with me - Raquel |
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that was just so incredible, you brought me to tears - Swifty |
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This poem touched me. I thought it was wonderful! - Christie |
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Beyond words.Absolutely stunning.Thankyou. - annie |
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very timely poem . how i wish i could also write such a beatiful poem . - febs |
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A very touching..one indeed. Left me with a bitter feeling.. - Alex |
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this was very powerful, congradulations, you truly have a poets heart. It is beautiful, so share it with the world. - Sweet |
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A superb and heartfelt poem, you have a great talent! Keep on writing. - Peter |
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such a touching poem. it makes you think of so many things. - melody |
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sensitivity - Sane |
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This is a really amazing poem. It really makes u think - Falon |
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Oh my god im speechless this poem is the best poem ever - Kellie |
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Bravo.. I dont think any words I say will do justice to this poem. - Moiz |
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Reading this poem put a very large pain in my chest. I could not stop crying it was so beautiful. Thank you Micheal for your Awsome talent. - Heather |
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as I read this poem I felt like I was the man standing there, crying with the young man sitting underneath that tree. this poem touched my heart in my different ways, and I have to say Michael, you are a very talented person to write in such a way. Good job. Beautiful piece. - meghan |
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A truely wonderful poem... I'd be proud to have written it! - Shah |
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I thought it really was a good poem :o) - Joe |
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This was one of the most beautiful poems I have ever read. It really touched me and by the way this guy wrote it you could just feel the emotion that the two characters must have felt. - Tonia |
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This is a wonderful and very touching poem. - Jessica |
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This poem is touching, and your talent is appreciated. keep on writing, i enjoy your work. :) .. I feel so very satisfied when i read a good poem before bed. - Michelle |
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You've quite a way with words, you know, displaying affection, life and woe, Teary eyes when I did read this, I think it is the best, When reading such heartfelt words about that small pain in his chest. - Lady |
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You are a VERY talented poet. You convey such deep emotions, words cannot express. I encourage you to continue writing and touching those who read your poetry - Jessica |
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actually, i am pretty much speechless. - jennifer |
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That was awesome. I walked the path with you and shared the moment as the boy died in your arms cradled against the "big hole in your chest". Why do we need war and the pain that comes with it. If God granted me one wish today Michael, you will be president. - Ashok |
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very well done! top on my list and any list of poetry for that matter! - Julia |
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To say thank you to the men and wemon who stand up for all of us is never enoth.God bless all of them ,and remember them the next time you talk to God - Rita |
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this poem rules - emmma |
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When I finished reading this i began to cry. This is a very very Good poem. - Aelaine |
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I am so moved, all I can say is this was absolutely beautiful in a sad, but true way. - mystic_mallory |
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A wonderful tribute to all of the ordinary men and women who have performed heroic deeds for the benefit of all of us. Touching, sentimental, and real. - Gary |
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WOW! I loved it, painful as it was. I is truly a beautiful poem. We lost loved ones in war. This reminds me how real, how sad, how senceles is war. - Nancy |
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This poem is so beautiful and it touched me so deeply. - Gwendolin |
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very touching - rsr |
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shows war---- wonderful wonderful wonderful - Mary |
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This poem touched my heart like I never thought words could. I loved it. Please keep writing. - Alia |
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I Found this poem fantastic in its simplicity but its intensity and what made it more touching for me was that i read it moments before 11am on 11/11/00 just before the minutes silence. Once more fantastic well done. - Lee |
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Touching, I'm all choke up! - Madza |
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This is so well written. I loved it. Michael definately has a great future in writing. Keep up the good work. - Rachel |
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My father is in the army, twanged at my heartstrings. The poem's very evocative. Reminded me slightly, and in a good way, of After Blenheim by Robert Southey. - Cinnamon |
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I found that to be a very heartwarming poem. - Vaughn |
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Very touching, make me feel very raw. - Baby |
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Thank YOU!!!!!!! For remembering those who gave their lives just so we could all live in this great country. It seems that we can eaisly forget why we have that day of from school and work. I felt connected to you the whole time I read this poem. It touched me and I greatful that there are people in this world who think of the ones who have to live with the pain of not having their son or daughter with them on the holidays we spend with our families. Keep giving the world this wonderful poetry to read. Thank you - Nefertiti |
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I have been there...... it brought it back , but not pain... thanks - Mick |
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I sat there and as I read, could feel the tears welling up inside! I can't put into words how emotion driven this poem appears to be - fantastic! - Rachel |
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So often people don't realize what that these brave men and women give up their life and their families to ensure that our country remains "the land of the free", but this heartfelt poem is surely a start in telling them. Thanks, Ranea (a former Navy Wife of a Desert Storm Veteran) - Ranea |
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Really Touching!!! Beautifull!!! - Neeraja |
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this poem was one of the best I have ever read, it reached out to me and brought tears to my eyes. I would like to thank the poet for allowing me to have the chance to read such beauty. - weeping |
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Wow. Very emotive poem, almost cried reading it! Top draw. - Chris |
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I liked this poem very much - Zaida |
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While I am not in a position to assess poetry, I would say your poem was really nice. It brought a tear in my eye - maaz |
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This poem is well writen and very touching. - Sherry |
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This type of poem is not what I usally read. I truely enjoyed it. It makes you think about so many things. I loved it! - Jala |
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Beautiful poem. - Wendy |
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I cried. - Christine |
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I haven't felt a poem touch me the way this one did in such a long time. It is wonderfully beautiful and touching sad at the same time. - Tracey |
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Now I have a small pain in my chest. Absolutely beautiful. - Nancy |
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I truly thought this was a wonderful poem. It makes you ask yourself how many of us would give up that drink of water to help a dying individual...I have to say probably not many... - erica |
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In one word.... Beautiful!!! - Neeraja |
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WOW... - Amy |
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I thought this poem was absolutely superb. You are a talented writer please keep writing more. - sc |
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Balladeer, this one simply got hold of me and squeezed. My dad's side of the family has always been in the military, and this one struck a deep chord within me. Wonderful writing, my friend. - Alastair |
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This is an awesome poem - it brings many days of my assignment to JUSMAAG in the y'Drang Valley in the early early 60's. . . . . God Bless you for that - mike |
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This has to be one of the most touching poems I've ever read in my life. It causes a large hole in my heart each time I read it. - Christopher |
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Vote, Hell Put This On The Top Of The List. It Made Me Cry As I Know The Pain And Could Feel The Hurt. - Richard |
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i'd just like to congratulate Michael, this poem made me cry.its the best poem ive ever heard.thank you - Laura |
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This is an absolute beautiful poem- this poem I believe says all that I wish I could say about life. This is an excellent piece of work. - Amy |
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You can clearly see that this author has alot of compassion in his heart. But I think possibly he has had a tragedy happen in his life and is applying it to his poem. But I would definately vote for this poem. - unavailable |
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This was an excellent poem. Very sad, but very true and extremely well written. I really enjoyed it. - collette |
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I enjoyed the poem it was interesting yet... emotional. - Cara |
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I thought this poem was wonderful! You can feel the pain the boy is going through as it is being described. Great job, have you written anything else? I'd love to read it! - Becki |
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This was a very touching poem and from the heart.I give this poem an A . - Lydia |
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You have written a very good poem. - Amy |
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This is the best poem i have ever read in forever! I hope u don't take this out! Please don't! - sara |
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Hi Mike. I'm new to this site. Real new, I just tripped over it. I liked your poem. I am interested in History so I seek these type of poems. Even though it is built on a sad foundation I feel it still manages to have a 'feel good' feeling. - Ibi |
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I was moved by this - David |
