Comment from Elizabeth Emerald

Excellent

Breathtaking. Poignant and powerful--stunning conclusion packs a punch. Adding a minute to the hour glass is ingenious, whether true or not. Haunting verse.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks Liz. The veteran passing out the sand was true. The rest was inspiration.

Comment from Mary Shifman

Exceptional

This is one of the best poems that I've read yet. It is so poignant and moving. It has the feel of a classical poem such as the ones we studied in school. If I had a ten I would give it to you. Lovely work.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Mary. Those words mean a lot. It is one of my best.

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

Where I live, a group sponsors Honor Flights every year (impacted by Covid). I applaud them in every way. Usually a local tv station sends several reporters to film/share their journey. It is always amazing to see the men in their uniforms, or wearing their caps, or using a walker or wheelchair--but they are there! Your poem covers everything I would imagine it should. It is emotional and heartfelt. We as a country need to support ALL veterans everyday--not just on a few days for 'show.' I;m thrilled to read this as I didn't see it the first time.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Jan. Regrettably, I did not serve. I try, in some small way, tom make up for this by writing about war and the veterans.

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Sands of Normandy
by Paul McFarland

Hello, Paul,

Thank you very much for sharing this excellent entry for the Rhyming Poem contest. It's heartfelt and honest. Thank you very much for your service. Great job with the rhymes and meter. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Gypsy. I was not in the service, but I have tried to make up for it in different ways.

Comment from Terry Broxson

Excellent

Great story. Sixth of June, 1944, remembered in a movie, as The Longest Day...and long may it be remembered! Paul thank you for writing this, it doesn't need any suggestion for improvement. Good Job!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Terry. It certainly was the longest day. A very short day for many.

Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan

Excellent

A moving tribute to those brave men who sacrificed their lives fighting for the country. It gives me goosebumps to read the horrors of the war even decades later. A masterly way to craft a poem. Thanks for sharing!.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Seshadri. To see those old veterans returning from Washington D. C. brought tears to my eyes.

Comment from amahra

Excellent

Wow, Paul, this was so moving; I had a lump in my throat by the time I got to the end. It's hard to tell a true story and make the very words rhyme. That's what's so special about poets. Great job!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks for the review. It was an emotional experience.

reply by amahra on 27-Oct-2021

Comment from Sherry Asbury

Exceptional

Thank you for your service!! I love this country which is kept free by men like you. God Bless you!! This is a hauntingly wonderful story and I am glad you wrote the poem!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thanks, Sherry. I'm afraid the only service that I've given is the tributes that I have written in verse to honor those who have given their time and lives for the cause of freedom.

reply by Sherry Asbury on 27-Oct-2021

Listen - if no one writes the stories - no one ever knows. You are great!!

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Paul, it's a very moving rhyming poem and it brought a little tear to my eye. What a wonderful idea, to put the sand in an hour glass. That way it will always pass through time. I wish you the best in the contest. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

I'm glad I brought a tear to your eye. That was the intention.

Comment from zanya

Exceptional

This poem gives a star performance, evoking a crucial moment in history, remembered decades later and recalled in the presence of 'that war torn man' . Dialogue adds effective immediacy. This poem should grace the walls in a museum somewhere. What else but 6 twinkling stars?

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2021

Thank you for your review and kind words. I try to write a poem periodically about our veterans. I can't thank them enough.