Comment from F. William Lester

Excellent

Sad but true. As a retired vet, your poem strikes close to home - too close. Your imagery is strong, and the poem gets right to the point. I hope one day we will come to our senses, but probably not in my lifetime. Thanks for sharing it. Good luck in the contest. This should be very close to if not at the top. Stay well.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Bill, and thanks for your service. I am a firm believer that ninety-nine percent of the world's population suffers from the decisions of the other one percent.

Comment from Marilyn Hamilton

Excellent

An excellent entry for the 5 Line poem contest. You are correct. This is a scene that has been played too many times over the centuries. hopefully, one day it will disappear. Nice job on the poem. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Marilyn.

Though peace for all mankind is in the works,
Pure evil, in the darkest corner, lurks.

Comment from Mintybee

Excellent

This poem is short, but it packs a lot of heart. The love and the worry are very present. The last line, ending on a plea, drives the emotion home.
Mintybee

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Minty. Maybe someday this scene will just be a part of history.

Comment from jenintorre

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your very sweet little 5 line poem and the artwork matches perfectly. A very good contender for the competition. Good luck and best wishes. Jen.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Jen. I can't imagine how many of these prayers go out throughout all the world.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

They say there are two guarantees in life: taxes and death. I would add war to that which, conveniently, is a reason for many taxes and many deaths.

A good five-liner, Paul. Good luck.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks for the review, Pam. You should turn your review into a poem.

Comment from Steve Foreman

Good

A nice five-line poem, thoughful and descriptive, and follows exactly the syllable sequence required. I also like the image chosen to illustrate this work. Well done,

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks for the review, Steve.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

Well written 5 line poem Paul and so very true. Far too many loved ones have had to say goodbye as one goes off to war. The one that comes homes is never the same as the one who left, sadly. Good luck in the contest,
cheers

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Valda. You are right. The returning vet is never the same. I wrote a poem about that vet that I might post later.

Comment from kiwisteveh

Excellent

Hi, Paul. I haven't seen much from you for a while, but that's probably because I'm not around all that often.

I liked this carefully constructed piece which slightly underplays the usual horrors of the topic to emphasise an aspect which may have just as much emotional punch - the impact on families when a man (in this case) or a woman must place himself in danger to serve in the military.

The last line in particular serves to reveal that the soldier understands that he may not return, giving a great intense ending.

Good luck.

Steve

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Steve. I haven't posted much lately. I'll try to do better.

Comment from Earthlover

Excellent

This is a sweet poem and reminder of how life
is uncertain. Facing the reality that wars continue
and the need for God's protection.
I long for a time when wars are no more.
Nice image for your poem.
Thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks, Earthlover. To get rid of war. we will probably have to get rid of politicians.

reply by Earthlover on 21-Jul-2024

Hello Paul...
Thanks for your reply. Sorry it took a while to respond.
Life got busy and stressful for a while and I had to take a break from this site for a while.
Yes, we would have to get rid of politicians and greed, and many other things for peace to come to this earth. I have a poem that talks about this subject and it goes deep. It's called, "Why do we suffer?" I will be sharing it publicly again soon. I have some improvements to make on it 1st though. I'll be sure to follow you and enjoy your future poems.

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

As you say, an all to common scene, but none the less heart wrenching for that. It is in the long reaches of the night that these separations are most keenly felt. A fine contest entry.

 Comment Written 25-Jun-2024

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reply by the author on 29-Jun-2024

Thanks for the review, Tony.

As I lie here awake in this long night,
My loved one's gone away to war to fight.