[Peace-discuss] war poetry

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

As the leaders of our nation prepare to go to war once more we must remember 
the actual cost of war and decide if that cost is worthwhile to attain the 
stated national objectives.  

The actual costs of war that affect all children, women, men, flora, and 
fauna are: DEATH, INJURY, ILLNESS, DESTROYED FAMILIES, DESTROYED COMMUNITIES, 
AND MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION

Two war poems written a few years ago follow.

The first poem is dedicated to SFC John Sitton; Taylorville, Illinois; a hero 
of both the Vietnam and the Persian Gulf Wars, and all of the others who have 
died or sacrificed their health while defending our nation or participating 
in various military actions.

"FORGOTTEN WARRIORS"

By Doug Rokke, Ph.D.
Major, Medical Service Corps,
U.S. Army Reserve

ONE MOMENT AN INDIVIDUAL WAS WALKING THROUGH A MEADOW OF
FLOWERS.
IN THE NEXT MOMENT SONS, DAUGHTERS, HUSBANDS, AND WIVES
BECAME SOLDIERS.
THEY DEFENDED OUR NATION AND PAID WITH THEIR LIFE OR HEALTH.
THE CITIZEN SOLDIER ----- THE MINUTE MAN.
OUR NATION IS BUILT ON THEIR WILLINGNESS TO RESPOND TO OUR
NATIONS CALL.
SOME FOUGHT IN THE JUNGLES OF VIETNAM, YET MANY RESPONDED TO FIGHT IN A 
DISTANT DESERT WAR.
THEY FOUGHT WITH SKILL AND DETERMINATION AND FREED A LAND.
THEN OUR NATION'S WARRIORS RETURNED HOME TO PARADES AND PARTIES AND JOY 
SPREAD FROM SHORE TO SHORE.
BUT WHEN THE GLOW SUBSIDED THE WARRIORS REMAINED ALONE AND FORGOTTEN.
WE ASKED THEM TO FIGHT AND THEN FORGOT TO PROVIDE THEM MEDICAL CARE.
WE RESEARCH AND STUDY AND SEARCH FOR A CAUSE DELAYING RESPONSE THROUGH 
IGNORANCE AND FEAR.
YET THE FORGOTTEN WARRIORS SUFFER IN SILENCE WITH HONOR AND HOPE.
FOR ALL THE FORGOTTEN WARRIORS WANT IS MEDICAL CARE.


The second poem was written to honor of Major Denise Nichols (Retired), USAF 
Combat Fight Nurse, who has dedicated her life since the Vietnam War to 
providing medical care during war and to helping our nation's veterans obtain 
the medical care that they have earned.  It is also in honor of all past, 
current, and future combat nurses.



ODE TO THE NURSE
Doug Rokke, Ph.D.
Major, Medical Service Corps, USAR

Mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
The dove who sails above the clouds
Soaring on golden wings with a heart of gold.
Busted bodies causing interrupted dreams.
Pain and suffering she strives to alleviate
Using knowledge, skills, and too many prayers
The Nurse .. the dedicated professional
Selected and wanted during war while the injured arrive
Yet, ignored, and abandoned after wars end
Only the very few continue their efforts to care for veterans after wars end
Because memories and recognition of continued problems must be ignored 
The Nurse...... the preserver of life
May she always sail on golden wings
with God given strength to care for those in need
The Nurse... the professional.... who cares for eternity
In spite of adversity and pain and their own suffering
Showing courage that comes from the God given heart of gold. 
Here's to the Nurse, may she prosper and thrive.
May she always be there to save the next life.