Between These Pages
Returned To Sender: Service Suspended58 total reviews
Comment from ScarletAffliction
Enjoyed this piece as well. It had a big of a sway to it that was a bit playful even as it shared something very deep and meaningful. Well done on that.
Fave Lines:
Across four seas and eighty years,
Through daily life and untold tears,
These letters had traveled through time,
Tucked within text that was now mine.
Nice.
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Enjoyed this piece as well. It had a big of a sway to it that was a bit playful even as it shared something very deep and meaningful. Well done on that.
Fave Lines:
Across four seas and eighty years,
Through daily life and untold tears,
These letters had traveled through time,
Tucked within text that was now mine.
Nice.
Comment Written 05-Apr-2020
Comment from Liz O'Neill
This is excellent.. I have to give an A+. The imagery draws the reader in to reflect upon those they know who had gone to war, and given their lives. How precious to still have those letters. They truly are a treasure.
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2020
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This is excellent.. I have to give an A+. The imagery draws the reader in to reflect upon those they know who had gone to war, and given their lives. How precious to still have those letters. They truly are a treasure.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2020
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Hello Liz,
I am honored by your exceptional rating and review.
I still cannot believe that both letters were in my possession ever since my mother passed away in 2007, and I never knew they existed between the covers of my father's Navy book... What a treasure...
So pleased my words resonated with you.
Thank you...
Hoping you are safe and well...
diane
Comment from Rhymer
Hi Diane - please excuse my libety in addressing you b y your Christian name, but I, having read your poem and your accompanying author's note, am persuaded to comment on a time that for long, was seldom mentioned when I - a mere lad at the time - thought war was little moe than a gory Boy's Comic tale. A little bit of 'over the top' propaganda to sell more comics.
Living in the Dorset UK countryside as I did, war seemed more of an adventure tale that beckoned those with adventurous ideas, rather than being a factual account of the harsh truthful reality it was. Not until I later met with Uncles and Aunts who had been caught up in the WW II conflict, and after I too had enlisted in the Royal Navy, and was posted to the Far East and Japan during the Malayan Communist conflict, Viet Namh and finally the Korean Conflict, did the real truth of the war atrocities, finally sink in! During my Service years, I met several survivors of the Japanese prisoner camps. Lives shatterd that never recovered and resulted in several suicides. This brought it home to me, that war in any shape or form, has consequences few, living at home, seldom get to know about, until the day, one of their kith and kin, returns, broken! Few therapists were available back then, and many unfortunately, were treated as being poor examples of what a "Man" was supposed to be! It was when I met and served alongside survivors, that the truth of those old 'men' who walked my village streets, - determined "Shell Shocked" - was finally understood by me! Few ever spoke of their experiences - my Father-in-Law and my Uncles, never, once spoke of WWI or WWII, no matter how much I asked!
Of all the accounts I heard relating to being a Japanese prisoner, only years later, did I truly understand the diabolical barbarisms that many had encountered in the Phillipines, Burma and Far Eastern front. Later, I was stationed on HMS Tyne during the Korean Conflict. At anchor in Sasebo Harbour. To get there I was flown from Singapore where I had served for over a year. Our flight tyook me to Clark Field, then Hong Kong and finally Japan. I flew over Nagasaki and although it was three years after the bomb, the devastation was still eident. Meeting the average Japanese person, was very conflicting at first. I had seen the rsults of thier inhumane atrocities, and yet, here were people such as ourselves. Polite and kind and nothing like what I had been told! A contradiction that was hard to understand until I realised, that m,uych like myself, they had never klnown much of what transpires when War determines survival! No, I'm not making excuses, but it does bear deep thught that pehaps those that we elect to govern us, might well change some of their thinking too! War definitely fostes hatred - true or false information - propaganda, is a weapon of choice, and its intepretation is intended to paint a picture that iunsidiously affects us. Much of what we're taught as children, is displaced with what 'the powers that be' wish us to know. Patriotism by all means should be a force, but that must be tempered, or we too will react in a way that is inhumane. With the world in turmoil in so many regions, nightly we see atrocities brought upon 'innocents' caught up in conflict. Much in the name of "loving one's countrry" and defending our way of life, but far too much, as I see it, is little more than the actions of power hungry individuals with little or no moral feelings!
Sorry if this is a little long Diane, and not altogether the review you had hoped for, with your biographical poem. Just thought I'd add a few thoughts and realities I have noted in my 90 years of living. Sincerely Rhymer aka Denis.
PS: one of muy closest naval friends was a Japanese prisoner. He forgave them for his treatment, and often said, the avergae "Joe" followed orders or? The consequences for disobedience, were just as harsh!
,
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Hi Diane - please excuse my libety in addressing you b y your Christian name, but I, having read your poem and your accompanying author's note, am persuaded to comment on a time that for long, was seldom mentioned when I - a mere lad at the time - thought war was little moe than a gory Boy's Comic tale. A little bit of 'over the top' propaganda to sell more comics.
Living in the Dorset UK countryside as I did, war seemed more of an adventure tale that beckoned those with adventurous ideas, rather than being a factual account of the harsh truthful reality it was. Not until I later met with Uncles and Aunts who had been caught up in the WW II conflict, and after I too had enlisted in the Royal Navy, and was posted to the Far East and Japan during the Malayan Communist conflict, Viet Namh and finally the Korean Conflict, did the real truth of the war atrocities, finally sink in! During my Service years, I met several survivors of the Japanese prisoner camps. Lives shatterd that never recovered and resulted in several suicides. This brought it home to me, that war in any shape or form, has consequences few, living at home, seldom get to know about, until the day, one of their kith and kin, returns, broken! Few therapists were available back then, and many unfortunately, were treated as being poor examples of what a "Man" was supposed to be! It was when I met and served alongside survivors, that the truth of those old 'men' who walked my village streets, - determined "Shell Shocked" - was finally understood by me! Few ever spoke of their experiences - my Father-in-Law and my Uncles, never, once spoke of WWI or WWII, no matter how much I asked!
Of all the accounts I heard relating to being a Japanese prisoner, only years later, did I truly understand the diabolical barbarisms that many had encountered in the Phillipines, Burma and Far Eastern front. Later, I was stationed on HMS Tyne during the Korean Conflict. At anchor in Sasebo Harbour. To get there I was flown from Singapore where I had served for over a year. Our flight tyook me to Clark Field, then Hong Kong and finally Japan. I flew over Nagasaki and although it was three years after the bomb, the devastation was still eident. Meeting the average Japanese person, was very conflicting at first. I had seen the rsults of thier inhumane atrocities, and yet, here were people such as ourselves. Polite and kind and nothing like what I had been told! A contradiction that was hard to understand until I realised, that m,uych like myself, they had never klnown much of what transpires when War determines survival! No, I'm not making excuses, but it does bear deep thught that pehaps those that we elect to govern us, might well change some of their thinking too! War definitely fostes hatred - true or false information - propaganda, is a weapon of choice, and its intepretation is intended to paint a picture that iunsidiously affects us. Much of what we're taught as children, is displaced with what 'the powers that be' wish us to know. Patriotism by all means should be a force, but that must be tempered, or we too will react in a way that is inhumane. With the world in turmoil in so many regions, nightly we see atrocities brought upon 'innocents' caught up in conflict. Much in the name of "loving one's countrry" and defending our way of life, but far too much, as I see it, is little more than the actions of power hungry individuals with little or no moral feelings!
Sorry if this is a little long Diane, and not altogether the review you had hoped for, with your biographical poem. Just thought I'd add a few thoughts and realities I have noted in my 90 years of living. Sincerely Rhymer aka Denis.
PS: one of muy closest naval friends was a Japanese prisoner. He forgave them for his treatment, and often said, the avergae "Joe" followed orders or? The consequences for disobedience, were just as harsh!
,
Comment Written 11-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Good Morning, Denis!
Thank you for your excellent rating and very thoughtful review.
I so enjoyed reading your thoughts.
One of the most moving results of my uncle's death is that years later, when I was a senior in high school, my family hosted a Japanese exchange student for a year because, as my father said, "It's time that we all heal."
So many people living today are still unaware of the war with Japan during WWII.
I've written this piece and a number of others for my children and their children...
Thank you again, Denis!
diane
Comment from Aphthong
Deep emotion, his letters stirred.... An emotion filled wonderful tribute to your great father.. Rhyming beautifully flowing like a river, your poem stole reader's heart..
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Deep emotion, his letters stirred.... An emotion filled wonderful tribute to your great father.. Rhyming beautifully flowing like a river, your poem stole reader's heart..
Comment Written 11-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Hello Apththong,
So pleased you enjoyed!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Reading old letters are a bit like looking at photographs, they preserve the moment and take us back to that time so that we can try and relive it. These letters must be so treasured by you Diane, your poem has cemented memories, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Reading old letters are a bit like looking at photographs, they preserve the moment and take us back to that time so that we can try and relive it. These letters must be so treasured by you Diane, your poem has cemented memories, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
Comment Written 11-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Hello Dolly!
Thank you for your excellent rating and thoughtful review.
I hope to collate my writings of my family for my children and their children as well...
Thank you again!
diane
Comment from BeasPeas
This is very well done, Diane. I read one of your other posts about your uncle who died so young. What a tragedy. The photo of your parents and the letters is composed as nicely as your poem. Excellent word choices. You have quite a historical treasure there. The blue letter was written and posted on the day I was born. First two lines repeated at the end are impressive. Marilyn
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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This is very well done, Diane. I read one of your other posts about your uncle who died so young. What a tragedy. The photo of your parents and the letters is composed as nicely as your poem. Excellent word choices. You have quite a historical treasure there. The blue letter was written and posted on the day I was born. First two lines repeated at the end are impressive. Marilyn
Comment Written 10-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
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Hello Marilyn,
Thank you for your excellent rating and complimentary review.
I smiled when I read your line about the blue letter and your birthday...
I hope to collate all of my biographical writings into a book for my family...
Thank you again!
diane
Comment from Jeffrey L. Michaux
This is truly beautiful and awesome Mrs. KT. You're absolutely right. Some treasure is buried, and some is in plain sight as you've so eloquently stated. What a wonderful treasure you discovered. He sounds like a wonderful man. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this inspirational and well written work. Well done!
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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This is truly beautiful and awesome Mrs. KT. You're absolutely right. Some treasure is buried, and some is in plain sight as you've so eloquently stated. What a wonderful treasure you discovered. He sounds like a wonderful man. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this inspirational and well written work. Well done!
Comment Written 10-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Oh my goodness, Jeffrey!
Thank you for your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
My father (and mother) were exceptional individuals.
How I wish I had had the opportunity to know my uncle... Such a tragedy...
Thank you so much!
diane
Comment from LisaMay
What an incredibly moving and personal story you have distilled for us to share. Your poem adds more to the story of your uncle you have already told us about; these tucked-away letters flesh out your family life more.
I was captivated by your poem - the link with the past, how history just leaps off the page (either in an old letter or a fresh poem) in such distressing details of the significance of little things. Treasure indeed. Thank you for posting about the Bataan death march; I am sure not many folks would know about that. It is yet another grim picture of war's suffering and how military decisions have terrible impact.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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What an incredibly moving and personal story you have distilled for us to share. Your poem adds more to the story of your uncle you have already told us about; these tucked-away letters flesh out your family life more.
I was captivated by your poem - the link with the past, how history just leaps off the page (either in an old letter or a fresh poem) in such distressing details of the significance of little things. Treasure indeed. Thank you for posting about the Bataan death march; I am sure not many folks would know about that. It is yet another grim picture of war's suffering and how military decisions have terrible impact.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Oh my goodness, Lisa!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and heartfelt review.
I hope to collate all of my family memoirs in book form for my children.
You are correct in stating that folks still do not know much about the war with Japan and/or Bataan. The videos available are incredibly moving.
Thank you again, Lisa!
diane
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That will be an amazing record for your children to have. Good luck with compiling it.
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Thank you, Lisa!
diane
Comment from Natalie Goodwin
Old letters and photographs are probably one of the greatest treasures we can have (besides having our families with us). This is a beautiful poem with vivid descriptions that reveal what your father must have felt about the war even though he didn't talk about it.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Old letters and photographs are probably one of the greatest treasures we can have (besides having our families with us). This is a beautiful poem with vivid descriptions that reveal what your father must have felt about the war even though he didn't talk about it.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Hello Natalie!
Thank you for your exceptional rating and complimentary review!
So pleased that my words and presentation resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Lil' Mormon Boy
Mrs. KT,
You have penned an incredible piece. Your poem and your notes were extremely emotional and brought back many of my own father's memorabilia from the war.
You wrote with so much passion. Your rhymes and rhythm were executed very well.
Thank you so much for sharing.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Mrs. KT,
You have penned an incredible piece. Your poem and your notes were extremely emotional and brought back many of my own father's memorabilia from the war.
You wrote with so much passion. Your rhymes and rhythm were executed very well.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
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Hello Friend,
I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
What a tragic story...
Thank you again!
diane
