Monday, December 3, 2018

LAYERS


Today‘s poem is a thought provoking treat written by the very talented poet. . . David L Byrn (1934-2018). Mr. Byrn was a native Arizonan, who wrote over 1700 poems, has won numerous awards for his creations. He, also, had an impressive professional education career. This obituary lists his numerous achievements. . . .
  

I came across this poem in a signed copy of his book entitled “Gathering the Faded Days”.  It appears to be a self-published, staple bound edition that is not currently in print. A Google search for poems by this author yielded only a used copy of one of his books containing children’s poems.

I was very moved by the underlining thought of this poem and I’m presenting it here for your enjoyment and as a tribute to this talented poet.

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Beneath the surface of everyday me
There are layers and layers you cannot see
Veneers of darkness, mirrors of light
Coatings of pleasure, corners of fright

Look at me closely, the layers won’t show
My words and my actions will not let you know
Sheets of rejoicing, slabs of despair
Coverings frail and elusive as air

Layers applied with a soft, gentle touch
Tender reminders of lovers and such
Layers forged harshly and pounded to stay
Beaten with hammers and hidden away

Layers from infancy, bitter and sweet
Layers that childhood insisted I meet
Layers acquired by the passage of years
Layers of misunderstandings, of fears

Layers on layers to satisfy needs
Laid against layers of passions and greeds
Layers and layers of loving and trust
Laid over layers of remnants and dust

Layers and layers and layers . . . . .
You see . . . . .
If you don’t know my layers
How can you know me?
 
 STUFF:

 How do you follow a poem like that? Just a thought . . . . As we go through life, every event, every experience, every person we meet, changes us in some way. At any given time we are the product of our inherited genes as tweaked by all the above modifiers. Tomorrow, we will be a slightly different person. 

After you have read the above poem, you WILL be a slightly different person.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

No One Came to Pray

On a recent trip to Washington D.C. I had the opportunity to see Arlington National Cemetery on a trip offered by HonorFlightsAZ. Being a Korean War veteran, it was very impressive and a moving experience.

While on the trip, Karen, one of the "Angels" that kept the trip in order, showed me two great photos she had taken of Arlington National Cemetery. The first photo, with my poem, is posted  on this blog. . . previous posting......"Rest in Peace - Heroes". . . . HERE

Photos "talk" to me and I express the thoughts in the form of a poem. Sometimes it takes weeks to write a poem. Karen's second photo 'Yelled" at me and the words just flowed.

Enjoy Karen's great photo and my poem . . . . . 
                                                      Photo courtesy of Karen Keogh Friddle
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It’s a cold and gloomy mid-winters day
Tree leaves have fallen and blown away
Headstones mark where warriors lay
But, on this day, no one came to pray

No birds were singing or flying above
Graves with no flowers, no tokens of love
Heroes, when a nation called, they said, “Okay!”
But, on this day, no one came to pray

The liberty we enjoy comes with a cost
In combat, many lives are often lost
Their remains are also here, respectfully, laid
 Yet, on this day, no one came and prayed

Bow your head, humble soul, let the good Lord know
Your phrase and thanks for the brave souls resting below
Thanks, brave veterans, our freedom is here to stay
Yes, on this day, I am here to pray!

                                              Poem by Herm Meyer


STUFF:

 If you like Karen's photo, please leave her a note in the comments section. If you like my poem, please leave a note for Karen since her photo was the inspiration for the poem.



Friday, September 28, 2018

REST IN PEACE . . HEROES


Recently, I, as a veteran, was privileged to travel to Washington, D.C. with a group of veterans that served in the American Armed Forces during the Korean War. The trip was funded and arranged by some very dedicated and generous people that make up an organization known as Honor Flight Arizona.

We saw numerous places of interest and memorials honoring the veterans of our country. One special place that we visited was Arlington National Cemetery. These dedicated grounds are where some of our nation’s most heroic and outstanding veterans have been buried starting with the Civil War.

One of the “Honor Flight Angels” that kept the trip moving according to plan and kept veterans from getting lost was Karen.  She did an amazing job and at one point showed me a picture she took of an area in Arlington Nation Cemetery. I was very impressed by this awesome picture and, with her permission, that photo became the inspiration for today’s poem.

Enjoy . . . . .


 
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Across the Potomac from our nation’s capitol
Lies hallowed ground; reserved for the military soul
Arlington National Cemetery, in peace they rest
Defenders of our country, the best of the best

Gently rolling hills of newly mowed grass so green
Trees and scrubs add to the effects . . . so serene
For those who answered the call of a nation distressed
A final resting place . . . sacred as if Heaven-blessed

Called to serve their country in times of dire need
Leaving home and family; the call, they did heed
They left to fight an enemy threatening our shores
Some didn’t return . . . the painful cost of wars

Snow-white headstones mark each warrior’s grave
A fitting tribute to our beloved heroes, ever so brave
Artistically aligned row by row; as if a work of art
Art so majestic, it pulls on the strings of one’s heart

Each fall the trees change colors from a normal green
Adding a heavenly splendor to the peaceful scene
The falling leaves blanket the hallowed ground below
Symbolizing the blessings the heavens above bestow


REST IN PEACE. . . HEROES!!!!

                                                                       Poem by Herm Meyer
 
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STUFF: 

For those interested in learning more about the extensive history of this impressive memorial, I suggest this link   Wikipedia's page   It is very detailed. 

If you like Karen's photo, please leave a comment below.