Comment from LisaMay

Excellent

Thanks for reposting this well crafted poem. Honoring freedom and the sacrifice to keep it can be done through military service or by writing about it to keep it fresh in people's memories. Your poem honors those who serve - the sand in the hour glass is an effective poetic motif.

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, LisaMay. I have tried to pay tribute to those who have served. I will be posting more in the future.

Comment from TINA LEATH

Exceptional

This is a very touching and poignant poem. I come from a military background, and remembering the fallen is very important to me, and my family. So thank you for this tribute

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

You're welcome, Tina. I have the utmost respect for those who have served.

Comment from Janetsue

Excellent

I am so glad you have shared your experience...and in a rhyming poetic form, as well. I was raised in a military family so I always appreciate the stories about brave service personnel that are sometimes posted here on FanStory. Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks for the review and kind words. Military families are the best.

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

Paul,
This is a well written poem of honor to veterans of World War 2. It is full of emotion on all sides of the story. I think it was good of that vet to give you the sand and that the hourglass is a fitting place for that sand. It reminds you to give thanks for the sacrifice. You should let people know that it holds sand from the beaches of Normandy.
Good luck in the contest.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Joan

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks for the kind words, Joan. The vet with the sand is real. The rest was pure inspiration.

reply by dragonpoet on 28-Oct-2021

Don't mention it, Paul. It was a good bit of imagination. It would be a good bit of family memorabilia to have an hourglass with sands from the war in it.
Joan

Comment from nomi338

Exceptional

What a wonderful idea. To place that sand into an hourglass allows the continued reminder of a sacrifice so honorable and selfless. It is a sacrifice that pays dividends unending. It is painful to know that there are too many in this country right now that dishonors that sacrifice with their disrespect acts that tear down the dignity of this country and those who fought and died for its continued standing in the world.

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks for the review. You are exactly right in your comments.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

This is one of my best poems, and I wanted everyone to have a look at it. (AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!) I really enjoyed reading this contest entry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband is retired Army (23 years in). While stationed in Germany we visited many of the WWI and WWII historical sites. They leave a lasting impression, that one doesn't forget. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, Barbara. And thanks to your husband for his service. Those historical sites must have been an emotional experience.

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Exceptional

It is a wonderful poem, Paul. I am so glad I searched it out today. We need remembrances' of the blood that has been shed in the many battles that have insured our freedom. This is so touching. God Bless our military men and women who paid the price of freedom for our sake. Well done my friend. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, Nancy. And I can't thank the veterans enough. That is why I have written poems such as this one.

Comment from Ben Colder

Excellent

Very well done, poet. I had a brother there that day who made it through it all without a physical scratch. I was a little boy, but I remember it very well. Thanks for the honor of recognizing the cost.

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, Ben. It was an honor to recognize the men like your brother.

reply by Ben Colder on 28-Oct-2021

He was First Infantry Big Red One.

reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Great movie. I must dig it out again.

Comment from Patty Palmer

Exceptional

I'm glad that you reposted this poem so we could all have a chance to read it. It's beautiful and put a lump in my throat as I read it. My dad served during that war, although not in Normandy, but I know how proud he was to have served our country. And now our youngest son did his part spending three tours in Iraq in Intelligence. I'm so proud of him. I'm proud of you too as I can hear in your voice the pride you hold in your heart for our U.S.A. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem with all of us.
God bless!
Patty

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, Patty. It hurts me to say that I never served. This is the main reason why I write poems like this.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

Beautiful, and very moving. Your thoughtful action of transferring the sand to an hour glass which you can see and think about each day honours their memory. Excellent writing, smooth flow and good rhyme. Best wishes for your entry in the Rhyming Poem contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2021

Thanks, Wendy. The vet with the sand is real. The rest is inspiration.