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Wartime Stories, Letters & Poetry #24

PostedMessage
Jackie Sharp Sheflin


10/4/2006 5:56:36 PM
This poem was also found among my fathers papers and I believe it speaks volumes about the closeness of those who serve together, regardless of the branch of the military they are in.

Jackie

WW II Flashbacks

It's so strange how the pangs of war
within your mind doth play.
The worst of things you have indured
are planted there to stay.

One would think that time would heal
these things that torment one's brain.
Although many years have passed,
flashbacks are very plain.

I was young and proud to serve
and go to foreign lands,
Knowing prayers were always with me,
and in God's mighty hands.

I was so young and carefree
that death meant little to me,
Until I saw how easy it comes
under fire from the enemy.

We were told the enemy was on the run
to Rome-we were on the way,
But the fallen ones we left behind
were such a price to pay.

It's about as close to hell on earth
as one will ever be
And not knowing if your loved ones
you ever again will see.

Another thought would enter your mind
that it's not just you alone.
The enemy must have loved ones
that would love to have them home.

At last I returned battle-scarred,
but much more fortunate than some.
With the grace of God and constant prayers,
I was thankful to be home.

But there's one thing I'll regret
to my dying day...
Is the many times I had to go
and leave my comrades where they lay