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I consider myself to be
a peaceful person
living in a place
not fraught with war
void of detonating bombs
fragments of life gone
I consider myself but
to no avail
for the rumbling of war
has never been far
as off in the distance
on foreign soils
it creeps very close
to my own back door
I considered myself to be
living my life apart
even during Viet Nam years
seen on broadcast news
of death and others tears
of something I was
unable to touch
I considered myself & then
my son joined in the ranks
of men and women called
to fight in a war fueled
by the inner turmoil
of a people distant
and out of sight
I considered myself to be
untouched by the carnage
the destruction of
people unknown to me
whose lives were
never mentioned
I considered myself & then
you came home & you
seemed different
for you brought the
memories with you
that now touch my life
to forever affect it
with war
© September 2013
Renee Espriu
I have known many who became soldiers. My own father and his brothers fought in World War II, my brother was in service during Viet Nam but did not see battle. But when my own son went to the Middle East, even though he was fortunate enough not to have had to be in a battle, he saw enough of the aftermath, that it has affected his life in ways I will never be able to understand. For most soldiers do not speak of what they have seen and heard but these things, I know, cannot be erased from memory.
reneejustturtleflight.com 
I, too, consider myself untouched by war. And God willing, that’s the way I hope to remain.
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I think so many of us don’t feel touched by the turmoil that happens within the arena of war until it comes closer to your own family and friends. When my son came home after his fourth tour in the Middle East, I knew then that it would forever touch my life with a lasting impression not erased.
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A very powerful piece of writing, Renee. It is a horrible thing we humans do. I am so sorry about your son. I am sure it will stay in his heart always.
Pamela
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He served 4 tours of duty, each one worse than the one before it, but I am so glad it is over for him…at least the physical aspect of it. He doesn’t speak of it but I can see the change it has made in him. Thank You Pamela
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You are so right …even scenes from such films can’t be erased… if only man could think a thousand times before a battle……very powerful write….
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I will never understand this aspect of human nature but it does seem as though war will forever be a part of the social arena. Thank You!
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My grandfather served in the second world war and was injured but lived many years in peace afterwards…. but died when I was 11 yrs old… but I remember him well…
War touched the UK with the Falklands conflict as we knew some young soldiers who went away but thankfully came back safe..
I consider myself very fortunate, living where we do in a peaceful nation not torn apart with war…
A very thought provoking poem Renee,, Sending you love across the Ocean
Sue xxx
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I think, any one of us, who have not lived through bombs being dropped over our homes, feels so very fortunate. I have seen many films of London during the Blitz in World War II and can’t even imagine what it would have been like. My father was stationed in England during that war but never saw any battle time. He was fortunate. xoxox
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when it becomes personal, it def changes the story a bit…and brings it home in ways it wont otherwise…i def believe in peace, but i am not sure how we can achieve it without a global make over…
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I don’t think social realms will ever have ideal situations, even as much as we would want it to be otherwise, but we can still have hope that some changes will be made to make a difference. Thank you for your comment.
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This is perfect, Renee. We will link into the Poets Against War round-up to be posted soon; but, also with your permission, I’d like to put it up as a post.
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I guess you have answered my email question here. I feel awkward to have asked but only just to say I am not as outgoing as some of the writers you have. Hence, my hesitation. I would feel honored to have you post it. My writing comes from my heart and nothing more. Thank You!
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… and it’s work from the heart that I am looking for. Thank you! Also, I did send you a detailed response by email.
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No serviceman ever comes home from the war the same, whether they saw battle or not, their eyes tell the story of sights best left unsaid.
I know.
Well written Renee
Ian
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I responded to your email Jamie but a small consideration here. My surname is actually Espriu. Espiritu is a lovely name all the same. Thank You!
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From the heart it is! A powerful piece indeed.
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Thank you for your comment and for visiting my site.
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war from another angle-
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I found myself thinking quite long about this and then it really was the only thing I could write…from the standpoint of a mother. I appreciate you dropping by and sorry to hear you have been having problems with the speed of your internet. Take Care
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