RevRainbow

Home of the Brave A mother sends her son to war To fight so there will be no more; He goes to battle; he’s not sure Just what it is he’s doing there. Someone to save? Home of the Brave? Their freedom is a precious thing; He fights so maybe he can bring A lasting peace so they may live A better life that he will give His own for it to be A Land of the Free. Now he’s dead, his dreams are gone, He’s fought a war; nobody’s won; His mother kneels in tears she shed, And wife with child, her husband’s dead. Where is his grave? Home of the Brave? All his widow’s days are grief Just holding on to one belief: That her child will never grow Up to fight a battle so Somewhere there might be A Land of the Free. But his country calls and he must go To fight someone declared his foe Whom he must kill for peace, you see, That is war’s reality; His life he gave To the Home of the Brave. Some will die and some will live, But every one had willed to give Their life to be accounted for A price to pay to win the war So there could be A Land of the Free. To all the soldiers everywhere Who fought the battles “over there,” For whatever honored cause they shared, Even though not many cared What it could be: Your Land of the Free. They fought and died so we might be Alive with life and liberty, So stop to think; stop to care About our soldiers everywhere; What each one gave To the Home of the Brave. They fought and died for liberty And now its time for you and me To stop and think; stop to care About the ones still over there...

Dust, Trust, Lust, Trust; Dust.

By accepting me, as I am, you have helped me to accept myself; by loving me, as I am, you have given new life to a battle-scarred soul. I would have thought that my old age would have given wisdom in my knowledge of love, but it was your youth that graciously destroyed my narrow concepts and raised me to a higher plane of understanding. Love itself knows no boundaries- age, race, gender, form- it is we, ourselves, who, through our own ignorance, restrict and destroy its beauty. By loving me, as I am, you have helped me transcend the carnal, awakening my spirit within.

Thank you for sharing.

...and dont forget the "eccentric" ones!

Sincere congratulations. koki!

Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself, Robin. Blessings and hopefully we all will learn something from each other here that helps us in our journey.

May you have a most interesting set of experiences. I returned to school to complete a degree in 2002 at age 57 (I was dropped from same school in 1965 for poor scholarship) and subsequently graduated with a BA in Communication, Media and Theatre with a minor in Art in 2006. At first, there was apprehension and anxiety, but it wound up one of the most enjoyable and fruitful experiences of my later years. And, being surrounded with young people put me back in touch with myself and the world as it was (although certain females were quite distracting at times). My biggest difficulty was not the classes or the students or teachers, but the anal-retentive administration. Enjoy yourself and be a blessing to others and they will bless you also.

I believe in Radioactive man ("Up and atom").

Yep. Need some more (story and popcorn!).

And you be good with a needle! Thanks, all, for the encouragement.

On Silent Shore II Standing on the banks of Cocytus, I wait impatiently to be ferried to the still waters of Lethe in hope to end this, my vigil, and bathe awhile in that river, thus purging painful memory; perhaps, then, to request journey – silent rest in the Elysian fields. Having experienced Acheron, I desire to remember that gentle love (which hurts) no longer; myself now to enjoy only the breezes of Zephyr (no cold nor rain) forever. Nine times thou hast passed; nine times I have asked, and sung my lament to thee; yet, I shall not drink from the river Styx! Does my song thus persuade thee to ferry this mortal passenger who is not shade, but reflection, in search of a longing desire; only to offer (no golden fleece) these songs of sadness shared with thee (thine obol I have not to give), O Charon? Do the muses, I wonder, mourn; especially Erato, whom I loved; shall I now into pieces be torn by the followers of Dionysis? I who saved others from hell – sirens did not sing as well – now seek to perish my thoughts, rest my soul and thus, succumb.

It's been a while since your last entry. I really enjoy your style. The wonderful cascade of carefully chosen words expressing the heart of a poet. Keep it up. You have fans! (that's not coffee, by the way)

Pizza and beer for desert? I can see the beer, but......

Rocky Road Ice Cream (insert Homer Simpson guttural sounds). There is something decadent about the tactile and taste experience of smooth not-too-cold chocolate ice cream containing almonds and marshmallows, topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate pieces. Throw in a big slice of warm Dutch Apple Pie to complete the ecstasy!

And I thought the bible was difficult to study! I prefer to wait for Jesus coming back (Guess He better hurry then, huh?)

I shall pray as requested, RevAl.

I like it!

Yes, the artist herself explains the heart of the poet betwixt the covers.

Go for it!

Von, you struck a chord (pun intended). I have several albums of E. Power Biggs playing the grand organ. Bach really rocks, spiritually on those pipes. The grandeur of it all can sometimes stir deeply in the soul, but you need a good sound system!