LaVergne in France during WWII
He was a gentle man
with a poet's heart.
His eyes held memories
of what he had seen Over There.
His deafness remembered
the detonation of bombs.
But he never spoke
of those things he deemed too dark.
He just grew gentler,
and more loving,
through having survived
the horror.
for Kerry's prompt at Flash 55 - I used 50. My uncle was my role model for the Perfect Man. He was so gallant. All his wife had to do was take out a cigarette and tap it on the case, and he would SWOOP across the room to light it.
People did not talk of these things much, just as your poem captures. Agh--the deafness. Works well here, but so sad. Thanks. k.
ReplyDeleteAll kinds and types have to be of service in times of war. It is so tragic, the maiming and incapacitating acts against the innocent, but brave.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your uncle. There is a lot 'they' don't want us to know when they come back.
Mrs. Jim's older brother was killed when his plane was shot down over Italy.
..
He is gorgeous. The problem is, when you grow up with a gallant gentle man it comes as a rude shock when you discover that most men are not:)
ReplyDeleteOh the heartbreaking things his eyes must have seen. He looks quite gallant!
ReplyDeleteI hope it does not require a war to make a man gallant, but it sounds like a great way to handle war.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful and fitting tribute to one who survived the horror of the Great War.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem in remembrance of this gentle man.
ReplyDeleteYes, war can have that effect on the best people--to return life for death and love for hate. Wonderful portrait,, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteAh, this is wonderful, Sherry. Though I wish in general that we talked more about things. That there are not things about which we should not speak. What a difference that would make.
ReplyDeleteThe horrors of war do reshape the heart. And for the luckiest of the bunch, the change can be such a wonderful thing. For others... well, let's just stick to the loving hearts for today. ♥
ReplyDeleteIt is almost a defence mechanism. After one has seen so much horror, what else has one got to offer? :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
and more loving,
ReplyDeletethrough having survived
the horror
There are strong characters who prefer that others are spared the horrors that they went through.
Hank
What a sweet tribute. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing this part of your heritage with us Sherry
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
He sounds like a wonderful man, Sherry.... You painted such a wonderful picture of him with your words. I think many men who were over there never talked about the horrors that they witnessed. They kept so much within their heart.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute ... loved reading about your uncle and his experiences.
ReplyDelete