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"Captive’s
Pledge"
was inspired by
a story told by
P.O.W. John McCain.
Captive’s Pledge
by Roger W
Hancock
Soldier’s battle for
survival,
comrades fought to death.
Evasion of detection sought,
among the jungle brush.
Heart pounds, breathing deep,
death or life as prisoner of war.
Solitary confinement at first,
later a welcomed cell, too crowded.
Bamboo bars with bamboo rugs,
day guards beyond arms reach.
One by one each day, each night,
time’s passing tracks astray.
One man of simple starts,
bravery, endurance his might.
Love of country inspiration,
strength to live each day.
Over time enduring patience,
bamboo needle sews his flag.
Hidden by day flown at dusk,
when guards not near to hear.
The highlight of the day awaits,
when prisoners recite the pledge.
Searching this cell they found our flag,
captors beat the one who sewed.
Eyes swollen in dim of light,
red piece of cloth, new flag begins.
No defiance, not for himself,
but that the pledge be said.
Sacrifice we pay, to our flag we say,
allegiance to our county’s might.
Bravery feels not the courage,
survival seems our
motive.
One does what must to survive,
as we pledge, we live our lives.
Ó
11-25-03 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com
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Long
Last, Laid to Rest
Inspired by the recoved remains of,
World War II 2nd Lt Ernest E. Martin,
US Army, of Hanover, Montana.
MIA, 1944 - Remains found, 2000 -
Identified & laid to rest 2008.
Long Last, Laid to Rest
by Roger W Hancock
American Soldiers fight abroad,
duty to their country.
Each man fights the battles brave,
victory over fear inside.
Wounded in battle brave,
sent back home to heal.
Valor ‘till wounded death,
telegram sent to family.
Honors to those returned,
have held the wartime memories.
Soldiers brave, left unknown,
captured or dead… remained missing.
Offensive against German towns,
Eastward through the forest.
Battle of Vossenack and Schmidt;
German, American confrontation.
Longest battle of the war,
left many fates unknown.
Fifty-six years beyond the battle,
American MIA is found.
Remains are found in year 2000,
Clearing wartime ordinance.
eight long years to identify,
by DNA, Dental and circumstance.
Now a hero is laid to rest,
duty done, may peace be yours.
To you our gratitude,
2nd Lieutenant Ernest E. Martin.
© October 2, 2008 Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
The
fallen, MIA, POW
Those Now Gone
by
Roger W Hancock
Fallen
Servicemen,
for country
fought;
liberty, freedom,
the primary
reason.
They gave
themselves,
that we be free
Fathers,
mothers,
sisters, and
brothers;
our dearly departed,
life for country
given.
Families broken,
for liberty.
Veterans who
served,
and lived to
tell;
the horrors, and risks,
now sleep in
peace.
Served their
country,
for our
security.
Unknown Soldier,
MIA,
remembrance our
way,
to honor you as well,
victims of a
warriors hell.
Served, now lost
that,
our lives be
free.
Sleep now Sleep
tight
rest now, duty
done,
price paid in life or death.
The vigilance now be ours.
© 1-26-2002
Roger W Hancock
www.PoetPatriot.com |
