Unborn Hero

by Hannah Lizette   May 27, 2013


Dusk and dawn camouflaged
themselves inside a fallen
soldier's daydream,

cinema lights beamed while
he buttered his fingers with
popcorn flavored memories
and slurped an extra-large
fountain of youth.

He anticipated the previews
of consciousness to end,
counting seconds until
he could watch the film
of a life he would never live.

His future wife caressed
the scent of him between
her hands,
tracing carved marble
like she was doodling
his name with hers
along an endless line.

A mirage of a son
that he never had the
chance to create saluted
the wind in honor of
an unborn hero.

Reflections of an
envied man stare
into memorized pupils -
climbing the mountains
of wrinkled cheekbones
and voyaging through
a shallow forest of an
ashen widows-peak.

As the credits rolled
behind his eyelids,
he bestowed eternal
sacrifice to his country.

-----------------------------------------
note;
In honor of Memorial Day. I was inspired to write this poem by a remark that President Ronald Reagan said in the Veterans Day National Ceremony on November 11, 1985.

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick; we see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives -- the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us...and all we can do is remember."

Copyright 2013: Hannah K.

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Latest Comments

  • 10 years ago

    by silvertung69

    I. Loved it!
    What can I say, I hope to be as articulate
    as what was just forged within the gray matter.

  • 10 years ago

    by Angel Tears

    Very powerful piece. Thank you for sharing.

  • 10 years ago

    by Lemon Squeezy

    Wow! The imagery in this is incredible. It was a tremendous joy to read. truly a masterpiece. You did a wonderful job!

  • 10 years ago

    by ZinaZonic

    Really enjoyed reading this

  • 11 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Judge Comment:

    In my opinion, this is the best poem in reguards to our fallen soilders that I have read in a very long time. I give Hannah props and applause for such an elegant, tasteful, and respectful poem. This poem is one that should be read on memorial day, and everyday as a reminder of the careing and unselfish gifts that our soliders give us every day ... Touching piece!

    It is also very unique and creative, which is why I chose it as my Ten point poem, it has a flow that sings, with a beautiful word usage and creative flare.

    To me, the entire piece is enchanting from start to finish, but this stanza here left me in tears.

    "His future wife caressed
    the scent of him between
    her hands,
    tracing carved marble
    like she was doodling
    his name with hers
    along an endless line."

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This is what I mean by such a unique poem.. this stanza here highlights the beauty of this piece to a tee..

    Beautiful and touching poem!!

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