User:Tom Zart

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AMERICAN HEROES 1941 TO 2006 WHERE WARS ARE WON OR LOST Wars are waged by older men In council rooms in countries apart. Who call for greater firepower And troops for the battle chart. While out among the shattered flesh The dreams of all have turned gray. So young and determined their faces were Till on the battlefield they lay. Unable to overcome their pride The elders cast their vote. For this or that or something else As the thunder of war sounds its note. Wherever wars are won or lost The soldiers fall like toys. Down through history it remains the same Most who pass are hardly more than boys. KENNEDY= THE WAR YEARS PT-109 After the attack on Pearl Harbor He applied for sea duty in the war. Where Lieutenant John F. Kennedy Became known for his bravery and more. In the dark hours before dawn On August 2, of 43. Kennedy commanded a torpedo boat Through the blackness of night at sea. PT – 109, was on Solomon’s patrol With a 12-man crew in a plywood craft. A Japanese destroyer plowed through the night Ramming and cutting Kennedy’s boat in half. Two of the crew just disappeared A third was badly burned. Kennedy himself was thrown to the deck, Where in pain his leadership he earned. Some of his men had never learned to swim As he gathered them on the bobbing bow. The hours passed tell it seemed it would sink So they made for an island and here’s how. He ordered those who could to swim The others were to hang on to a beam. Kennedy grabbed the injured sailor And off they tread through the ocean stream. With his teeth clenched on the burnt man’s vest straps Skipper Kennedy swam 3 miles. 5 hours later they all made it Despite their hardships, sharks, and trials. The next problem was how to summon up help Without arousing the enemy all around. After several attempts swimming to other islands Eventually two natives in a canoe were found. Kennedy scratch a note on a coconut To be delivered to a base 38 miles away. The message made it and they were saved And their courage still lives us today. TROOP SHIP Our ship had sailed before the dawn Surrounded by the thickest of fog, Still ignorant of our destination Or what was written in the captain's log. It didn't take long for me to see Our cruise was not for fun; An experience of a lifetime With nowhere for us to run. Twenty knots per hour we cruised As the white caps passed us by; Ten thousand young Americans Off to Europe to die. A sailor told us not to worry; Someday we’d get our mail. Uncle Sam would make sure No matter how far we sail. Thirty feet deep I tried to sleep Beneath our ship's waterline, Just the place for claustrophobia To enter into my mind. My favorite vest was my May West Which I wore all the time Just in case of German U-boats Or an underwater mine. Thirty-three days we were at sea, We crossed the equator twice. Many years have passed since then, Those years of sacrifice. WAR As war is fought it takes charge, And events spin out of control. The madness of men can alter the soil Which nourishes the roots of their soul. Many things will forever change, Far more then wished to be. As the wrath of war starts to destroy, Those things we fight to keep free. War is the greatest plague of man, Religion, state, and sanity. Any scourge is more preferred, Than the one which disables humanity. When war breaks out, boundaries change And all who die are a token, Of the rage that must run it's course, Before words of peace are spoken. DADS AT WAR Where would I be without you dad? My hero of night and day I'm so glad you love my mother, And take time for us each day. The last time we played baseball, You reached for me with your hand. I looked at you, then made a wish, That I might be just half the man. I love my father of this earth, And I love my father of heaven. It's a lot for me to love, you know, For I’m only eleven. Mom and I sure miss you, Since you left to defend our flag. When others ask, where is your dad? I can't help but boast and brag. PEARL HARBOR Sunday, December the seventh, In the year of 1941, While most of Hawaii still slept, Came the planes of the Rising Sun. Waves of bombers and fighters flew, From the decks of the Japanese ships. While our planes were still on the ground, "Banzai" was spoken from their lips. The winds of war had been blowing Across the oceans of our earth, Though not till Pearl had been bombed, Did we realize what freedom’s worth. Wars are fought and won on two fronts, At home and on the battle line. Both are equally important, When war consumes our heart and mind. The attack brought us World War II, With death, pain and separation. All who had served were well aware Of their sacrifice for nation. GENERAL QUARTERS General quarters, general quarters, All hands man your battle station! Sunday morning, December the 7th, As war confronted our nation. We soon found out it wasn't a drill But instead it was war for real. As you watch the death of friends and shipmates, It's more anger than fear you feel. Japanese warplanes came flying in low, As I took aim with my gun sight. From the deck of a ship anchored at Pearl Damaged, though crew still eager to fight. I saw the face of a pilot, who crashed, Surrounded by black smoke and fire. Some of my bullets must have found their mark. For his death was but my desire! Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-three killed, In a battle less than two hours. With the heart of our Pacific fleet gone, Japan had flexed their naval powers. The bombing and strafing of ships and troops Caused our congress to declare full war. Where many a man laid down his life Fighting for flag, country and more. D-DAY D-Day raised the curtain on the conflict That fore shadowed the end of Hitler's dream. The largest joint combat landing ever, Though the blood from both sides flowed like a stream. When their boats hit the sand, their ramps went down, And all within paid a visit to hell. They jumped out to do good for their country, And to kill the enemy without fail. They fought the Germans, tides, winds and the waves, In conditions not easily foreseen. By night the battle was in our favor, With bravery, valor, death, and men who scream. The corpses littered the beach for five miles, Though heroism had carried the day, With literally thousands dead or wounded, Those who were left were determined to stay. They faced great odds and chose not to protest, And won the war that put evil to shame. Most came home, married and raised their babies, But those who could not we recall with pain. D DAY - THE WALL Over two hundred rangers scaled "The Wall" A stone cliff over one hundred feet tall. Some of them made it all the way to the top, While others fell and perished from their drop. Those who climbed over, had answered God's call; For men to stop evil once and for all. They fought the Germans and destroyed their guns, To save the lives of our fathers and sons. So many years have passed since then, When our world's future was saved by brave men. We cannot forget the hell they went through, Before the skies, again turned blue. MI DWAY It was June the 4th 1942, As I was floating in the ocean alone; The ship I had sailed on, sank to the bottom And I thought I would never again, see home. The Japanese fleet had steamed in from the east With the intentions of capturing Midway. Though they were stopped by American war ships, Whose guns, bombs and torpedoes planes saved the day. All night long, I watched the fireworks of war And on the second day we turned up the heat. As big bombers from Hawaii dropped their loads, On Japanese ships who soon chose to retreat. An imperial pilot came floating close by, Who had been chewed on by the beasts of the sea. I couldn't help but feel passion for this is man Who had answered his call just like me. When it was over, I was plucked from the deep, By men in a lifeboat just after the dawn. For two days I had watched the battle for, Midway; Now it's quiet and the enemy has gone. SURVIVAL I drifted all night and was loosing my hope Before by the moon's light I saw dry land. I floated over and through its reefs to the beach, Where I quickly smoothed out my tracks in the sand. All I had was my dagger and a canteen And it was May 4th of 43. Just me alone on an enemy island, Wasn't a safe place for a sailor to be. I felt I could kill in less than a heartbeat If that's what it took for me to survive. I’d already said thanks so many times, For” God” was the reason I was alive. Off in the dark, I herd two men's voices, Laughing and talking in a language not mine. Inch by inch I crept to their campsite, Where on what they were eating, I would soon dine. I stabbed them both and took their fish, rice and wine; Then ran my way back to the raft by the beach. Soon I was floating in the ocean again And far enough out where bullets couldn't reach. The next day I was picked up by a seaplane, Whose crew spotted my sail from the air. Once inside and safe, I cried like a child, For the dead whom would forever be there. It was hard to believe heaven let me live; A farm boy from Kansas, in high school last year. My girlfriend is blond and she hates it I 'm gone. Though I'm a veteran of battle, death, and fear. OKINAWA 1941 Okinawa was to be our last stop Before we invaded Japan. The largest landing of the Pacific war, As our soldiers ran across the sand. At first our marines were scarcely opposed But on the fifth day hell they found. A solid wall of human resistance Firing their weapons from caves in the ground. Air power and big guns had little affect On their cliff forts carved deep in the limestone. It took man against man to root them out As flying bullets pierced flesh and bone. Kamikaze pilots crashed their planes Knocking out transports and war ships. As the Imperial air force struck our fleet, Cries of fear and hate spewed from lips. One hundred, ten thousand Japanese By the end of the battle were killed. Over twelve thousand Americans died, Before, just our flag flew over the field. THE FINAL SOLUTION As goodness and evil hitch rides on the winds, Over and over man commits the same sins. Nazis took Jews during and before the war, Herding them to death camps for torture and more. They jailed both Catholics and resisting others, Mothers, fathers, singles, sisters and brothers. Over six million Jews were put to silence, Killed by the wicked practicing their violence. There’s no doubt that Hitler has a throne in hell, A place of death, torment, decay and smell. Once more the murderous must be forced to cease, By those willing to fight for justice and peace. VETERAN'S DAY The cost of freedom is sometimes high, Extremely more when our loved one's die. Men and women pledged to fight and serve, And it's our support that they deserve. Mankind itself is the one to blame, That all through history, the story's the same. Peace, like love, can be hard to acquire, Subject always to enemy fire. Some how the righteous tend to prevail, Over the miss-guided, prone to fail. No wonder we fear the tongues that lie, As mankind squabbles beneath God's sky. The danger our solders face is real, So lets let them know just how we feel. Put forth your flag and show them your heart, As those we love from us depart. BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC After the fall of France in 1940, The Germans soon began their own blockade, With most their efforts in the Atlantic, Hoping to cut Britain's flow of war trade. With fast surface raiders like the Bismarck, Merchant ships caught at sea, had little chance. The German’s small navy sank ship after ship, Till the British Navy destroyed war's romance. Shipping losses from German U-boats increased, And the battle of the Atlantic seemed lost. But soon America would enter the war, To defeat freedom’s enemies at all cost. Multitudes would die and their families cry, Before World War II would be fought to its end. What a waste of mankind, which had lost its mind, Though now, our enemy is our friend. P.O.W. When you become a P.O.W. You find you've lost your liberty and more, The guy with the gun tells you what to do, As you yearn for freedoms you had before. Your will to serve helps keep you alive, Though sometimes you wish you were dead. Tortures far beyond any normal mind, And there's no safety, even your bed. Bullets, barbwire, searchlights and sharp teeth, Keep you in a place you don't wish to be. The food is quite awful and sometimes it moves, And you've no choice of what you hear or see. The lucky are released and return home, Though in their dreams their fate is unsure. War may be hell, but confinement is worse, Cause afterwards you're never as you were. THE LONELINESS OF WAR I know I’m still here so far, far away, As I fight for what I believe is right. I wonder about you and your mom, Every moment of every day and night. The loneliness of war can drive you insane, If you don’t get letters of concern from home. Left, right, behind and ahead, Death awaits leaving love ones alone. We pray to God that we will be saved To return home or live the here after. Bloody, dirt-covered men, we see everyday, As we yearn for those times of laughter. The far off stare of a fallen comrade, As you stay by his side till his end. No mother ever carried her infant child, More carefully, than we do a friend. Many have their own personal diaries, To help keep their faculties together. Watching hot steel crash into human flesh, Always make home seem far away and better. I’ve become an expert at dodging, weaving and diving, So try not to worry too much about me. Just help your mom and stand up from the ground, And while I’m gone be all you can be. Love Dad BRAVERY Many brave souls lived before now, Unwept and unknown by their face. Lost somewhere in the distant night, 'Till a poet chronicles their grace. True bravery is shown by performing, Without witness, what one might be Capable of before the world, Without any or all to see. How great the brave who rest in peace, All blessings from heaven to earth. They gave our country but their best, Those destined to be brave from birth. KOREA 1950 UN soldiers fought and were forced to retreat Behind sandbags protected by barbwire hoops. Many GI's died as they held off attacks, By 810,000 Communist troops. Our guys used phosphorus, flame-throwers and napalm, For without these weapons they could not survive. The Communist charges led by buglers, Till the UN could start it's offensive drive. On the battlefield of death and misery Many froze with their hands still stuck to their guns. While others hobbled with their boots wrapped in rags, City boys, farmers, students, fathers and sons. With a million and a half dead or wounded, Both sides singed a truce before generals involved. July 27th, 1953, And though thousands were orphaned, nothing was solved. SOLDIER IN THE RAIN I’m just a soldier who stands in the rain; My memories of home are what keep me sane. Back home is a land of milk and honey, Ruled by lust and love of money. But, what can I say, when I serve her true, For I volunteered to see this war through. Now, that I’m here, it's hard to believe, We're just the victims of those who deceive. As darkness falls on the rice fields of Nam Scared men with rifles walk the shadows of the calm. It's thousands of miles to the steps of my church, With its stained glass, steeples and lost souls who search. Off in the distance I see an arc light, Bombs being dropped on children at night. I've seen that evil they call the "yellow rain," And how life withers when it's sprayed by a plane. All of my buddies have been taken away, No more touch football will they ever play. Zipped in their body bags for the long trip home, Are some of the bravest, I've ever known. War is a hell, devised by man, There's death in the sea, the sky and the land. Lord, I can’t help but wish I were home, Back with my love, whom I hope is alone? BULLETS AND BARBWIRE We awoke to the crack of rifle fire, With mortar rounds hitting the ground near by. The flying shrapnel was absorbed by sand bags, Which saved lots of us who wished not to die. The hot spent shell casings fell to the ground As the VC charged our fortified hill. We killed so many the stench made us sick, While we fought to live and not for a thrill. Barbwire, bullets and clay-mores took their toll As red and green tracers lit up the sky. Before long I was the last GI left, When napalm caused my enemy to fry. Fleeing the sound of our choppers gunfire The enemy retreated to the caves and trees. Then I cried, "thank you " to heaven above, As I checked out my buddies on my knees. Somehow I managed to survive the day Though many I've served with names I have read Carved in the shinny black stone of The Wall Are my comrades of war, among the dead. SEPTEMBER 11th After suffering the wrath of a sneak attack America now mourns to her very core. Though soon her enemies shall all but flee From the sound of America waging full war. Let there be no doubt, no doubt at all, That the devil has decided to give us a call. We shall defeat hell’s soldiers and cast them out And if we die; that's what freedom is about. We shall seek them out wherever they may hide, Street by street, house-by-house, cave by cave. They will be eradicated from the face of the earth By the righteous, the loyal and the brave. OUR FLAG Our flag is fabric wove of thread, Carried by heroes live and dead. She stands for justice and courage too, With her colors; red, white and blue. For all who serve her, there’ll be cheers, For any who die, there’ll be tears, For all who love her, life is swell, For those who harm her, war is hell. How many moms have cried before, As they sent their children to war. How many dads have not returned, Because our freedom must be earned. Wars were waged where brave men died As patriots fought side by side. Our flag is still the pearl of earth, Because of those who prove her worth. LOVE OF COUNTRY I dedicate this poem from inside my tent, As the desert winds keep it's silhouette bent. My love of country is at full boil now, I’d like to describe it but it's hard to know how. Tomorrow I’ll hunt those who enjoy our death, Cursed by their hatred and foulness of breath. I don't care if it's another God they serve, For their crime's retribution is what they deserve. Their horde survives by a different set of rules, Though soon they’ll learn the fate of murderous fools. Proudly I serve my homeland and president, Who I've sworn to defend one hundred percent. While haunted by visions of what I must do, I fight for justice, and the red, white, and blue. BAGHDAD 2006 Determined though scared, I walk my beat, On the deadly streets of Baghdad. Searching for any who plot our harm, Or by our death are joyous and glad. Standing in shadows caused by the moon, I'm reminded of my nights back home. I wonder if the woman I love Is growing tired of sleeping alone? I feel remorse for all who live here, For this place is a madman's hell. And those who wish to keep it that way Must be killed or locked away in jail. My greatest fear is not my death, But that I'll end up in a wheelchair. Disabled for the rest of my life, Depending on others for my care. My wife, she prays for my safe return, As night and day more GI's are killed. She knows quite well, whatever it takes, The oath I've given will be fulfilled. FORMIDABLE FOE America is the birthday cake of earth, As the ants march from every direction. Thank God for all who have sworn to defend her, Serving with love, honor, pride, and affection. Since the first day George Washington marched off to war, There have been those who have wished our demise. Their hatred, fueled by jealousy and greed, Was defeated by our brave and the wise. Once again, we must face a formidable foe, Who have pledged by their God to destroy us all Misusing their faith as an excuse to kill, As for a worldwide jihad, their leaders call. Some say we should try to appease them, For if we resist, they’ll hate us even more. But the David's among us shall cast our stones, Defeating them, as it was done before. SOMETIMES I'm a soldier, who fights on foreign soil, Some say, we're here, because of oil. But, I'll do my duty and proudly serve; Knowing death may await me around the curve. Sometimes it's hard to defend what's right, Sometimes we're forced to rise up and fight. Sometimes we survive, while others must die, Sometimes never knowing the reason why. The rush of combat is a natural buzz, Caused by fear, leaving nothing as it was. Hunting one another like wild game, Without a shortage of those to blame. Sometimes victory comes to slow or quick Sometimes the cost on both sides is sick. Sometimes God is asked to intervene, To help stop the savage from being so mean. War is a hell we visit before death Fueled by the whisper of the devil's breath. There must be a reason man destroys man, But why it is so, I can't understand. PEACE The people of earth face many problems, Struggling to make their living and maintain peace. There are differences in language, faith and race, With misguided hate unwilling to cease. To solve these problems that plague mankind, Man must strive as never before. Demanding justice with truth in settling disputes, While recalling with pain, the casualties of war. War is an emotional release for man, Practiced since the first stones were cast. Could it be nature's way of thinning the numbers, As the fallen are consumed by the past. May the future show mercy on all who survive, With their visions of innocence forever lost. Prayerfully, someday man will cease wagging war, Avoiding through peace it's consequence and cost. THE HINGE OF HISTORY The hinge of history swings in all directions As the happenings of the past are written down. Out of all that has occurred since man's beginnings, Less has been recorded than waits to be found. Babylonians kept chronicles of history, Hebrews wrote the past as a dramatic story. Greeks had no faith in the future at all, Believing mans repeated errors doom his glory. Christians added a new dimension to history, Looking forward to Christ’s return to earth. An on going drama involving man and God, Believing all are created of equal worth. Some have asked why must we study history; It just encourages us to live in the past. When we forget history we repeat its mistakes, As the outcome of humanity is cast. KATRINA Katrina hit like an atom bomb Consuming the helpless in her path. The waters of the deep surged forth Flooding everything with their wrath. The evil took advantage of absence of law While the brave risked their lives for others. The best and the worst was seen by man Though many became like brothers. May heaven show mercy upon the lost Never to love, laugh, hate or sin. God bless every man, woman and child Whom we may never hold again. SHOULD TOMORROW START WITHOUT ME Should tomorrow start without me Remember I love you. Looking down from up above Seeing everything you do. If I become a casualty I pray you will love again Whom ever makes you happy I’ll consider my friend. Should tomorrow start without me Remind our boys, God loves all who care. And when life seems too harsh and cruel With “Him” they must share their prayer. I have proven I’m not a coward Who breaks and runs to survive. Always fearing death will kiss me As the streets of Baghdad I drive. Should tomorrow start without me Be proud I choose to serve. Our faith and our patriotism Earn the freedom we deserve. I miss home more than ever It breaks my heart to stay away I can’t help but want to hold you And whisper what I say. SHOULDER TO SHOULDER Americans harmonize in sentiment While facing the challenges of life. Shoulder to shoulder we defined our land Through hardship, sacrifice and strife. We are eager to oppose our enemies Wherever they raise their head. Our principles must be practiced To avoid being conquered or dead. We fail to see the merits of a dictator Only freedom to work and pray as we please. Most seek guidance from a higher power As we share our concerns on our knees. We have always held liberty close to our hearts Unwilling to surrender to demise. Whenever its existence was threatened We have chosen to follow the wise. We can’t foresee what the future may bring Though we give it our best not to fail. Every 4th of July we illuminate the sky Proving freedom is alive and well. AMERICAN SOLDIER Our soldiers line up to be remembered As the best of the best at their job. They wish to be needed and depended on To save all we love from the mob. They risk their life and limb for liberty Standing firm against evil unwilling to break. To be part of something greater than themselves They are willing to sacrifice whatever it will take. THANK HEAVEN FOR HEROES Thank heaven for the heroes of life Who lead us to overcome those who are not. The wise are grateful for all God’s blessings Where fools never realize what they’ve got. America is the grain train of earth Whose people exercise rule by their vote. All have a chance to partake and prosper As they arrive by foot, plane or boat. Our freedom relies on the law of the land, Our future depends on our grit. Our past has known both good and bad And our mistakes we are willing to admit. The grim of heart hate America And choose to put her wonders to shame The devotion of most who love and live here Rise up to defeat the soldiers of blame. THE WORLD OF MAN The world of man stays the same The clowns who run it are to blame. The seed of goodness was placed on earth For man to prove his heavenly worth. An ongoing conflict between love and hate As losers mislead and procrastinate. Hallelujah for heroes that step from the line. Facing down evil with goodness of mind. Prevailing by kindness and concern for others Making us feel as though they were our brothers. Like beasts of the night feasting on souls The soldiers of darkness rise from their holes. We’ll greet them with faith and a willingness to fight Never fearing to defend what’s right. TIGER WOODS He chose his opportunities To become strong, not weak, By pulling up his boot straps He acquired the dreams we seek. His personal goals of well being, Will never stand in the way Of doing his public duty, No matter what others may say. His devotion shall prove contagious It's the brilliance of kind. What we love within him Is great character of mind. With faith and courage, he must live For his life to be complete. With good morals and family life He will triumph even in defeat. He was raised to participate Within his community, With his fellow men and women, He will enrich life and liberty. All Poems By Tom Zart