Side Dishes

∞ AFTER THE WAR IS OVER   ∞ 

Staring through my window at distant drops of rain,
My mind was racing madly, as if I was insane.

Back to the years of mental torment and thoughts of how our time was spent,
On a distant land behind me and all the SICK events!

I tell myself it's over; the years have come and gone,
But the echoes and flashbacks go on and on and on.

Yes, I've paid the price for freedom; but am I really free?
And what about the others, who paid along with me?

Just think of every mother, who doesn't have her son,
Should freedom's price be tallied from bullets in some gun?

Oh, the price we pay for freedom, with interest rates so high,
The mental torment we suffer, for all the lives that died.

I hope some day the payment; will be "Paid in Full"
So all of us who suffered, can strive for higher goals.

Herky Corcoran
RE: Vietnam

∞ "ROSA"  ∞ 

Have you ever met a person that you know you won't forget?
A person who's kind and gentle and never seems to fret.

I found someone that fits the bill and "Rosa" is her name,
She's the kind of friend to have; not concerned with wealth or fame.

"Rosa" is what I call her and I'm the only one,
She doesn't seem to mind. She knows it's all in fun.

I hope this kind of person, someday you will meet,
There aren't that many people who are as kind and sweet.

Pat Buyan

∞ "WHO'S THERE" ∞ 

Do you feel the presence? The air is cool and still,
You know that there is something, but you know it can't be real.

In a corner there's a flicker, and you know you saw a flutter,
Don't call out to talk to it, your words you'll only stutter.

Do our spirits really linger when our lives have finally ended?
Or are they left behind to take care of things untended?

Maybe there's a message that needs to be told,
So if you feel the presence, don't run and hide; be bold.

They are not here to harm you, and that's the truth, I'm sure,
If they would visit me, I'd want to visit more.

So if you feel a presence and the air gets calm and chilled,
Ask them to stay awhile, and help their spirits to be stilled.

Pat Buyan

∞ "A PARENT'S PLIGHT" ∞

When their mouths have sharp words as you try and explain,
You would rather they didn't, but it's you that they blame.

After you've pampered, cuddled, and healed'
Your child won't remember the pain that you feel.

Is there a way to make it easy for your child to take their place?
Beside all the great ones, whose steps that you have traced.

If there were, you'd probably try it and it wouldn't be understood,
No matter what you do for them, they think it's all no good.

To them you're wrong and never right,
That's a parent's unpleasant plight.

Pat Buyan

SHE'LL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Here she lies, this unknown soldier in the trenches of this war…
Why was she taken so young, so innocent; what was she fighting for?
So badly broken by her deep massive wounds-unrecognizable by the light of the moon…
No dog tags upon her to claim who she is,
Nor where she is from, No…none of this.
So proudly she fought to keep her country free
Knowing not what's ahead - not knowing where she'd be;
But, she's a woman, a sister, a daughter, a friend, who gave all she could right up to the end.
Was she a firefighter's partner or the wife of a cop?
With her pride and joy "T-Bird" that's still in the shop?
Was she the mail carrier who lived just down the street?
Or a hairdresser that stood many hours on her feet?
Was she the mother of children of her very own?
Did she sense that today she'd not be coming home?
Maybe a nurse, a florist, a teacher of kids? How will we know with no evidence?
Well today she is special and does have a name, Maybe it's Debbie or Pat or Kelly or Jane;
She'll not be forgotten by her family and friends…
Nor her comrades who saw how she fought till the end.
So, tonight as you put your babies to be,
Hug them and pray with them that this war will soon end!


Author- Pam Evans
March 2007

GRADUATION

Your life has been a story to me,
 I'd often wonder who you'd grow up to be.
So many memories, I will never forget,
Your first cry and of course that first step.
The first day of school and also the last,
Middle school and High school went by so fast.
Picking up your tux for the senior dance,
One last night for a high school romance.
As you stand before me now,
All dressed up in your cap and gown.
I will do my best not to cry,
But I know in weeks I must say goodbye.
I'm so proud of the man you've become,
I'm even more honored to be a soldier's mom.
For in the army you will start a new life,
And then one day I'll share you with your wife.
But forever you will be my first son,
Always remember that I am the lucky one.

                                      Love Mom
                                        Shawn Betts

Dedicated to Mary Frances Betts
∞ PLEASE TELL ME: ∞
                   Please tell me while I'm here, the feelings you have inside,
Please don't wait until tomorrow; it will be too late once I've died.
Please tell me while I'm here, on Gods beautifully created earth,
We can talk about your future, or reminisce your sweet birth.
Please tell me while I'm here, all the things you need to know,
I'll do my best to fill the voids, and ease the pain of letting go.
Please tell me while I'm here, any mistakes I may have made,
For you will be filled with regret, as you somberly stand at my grave.
Please tell me while I'm here; let's share the love that's in your heart,
Don't lock it up inside of you; it will be unfelt when we are apart.
Please tell me while I'm here, all your memories good and bad,
Let's right all of our wrongs now, so our departure is happy not sad.
Please tell me while I'm here, I'm spreading my wings and learning how to fly,
And when God comes to take me home, you can have peace when I die.
Please tell me while I'm here, for once I'm gone it's just to late,
I love you dearly my precious child, we'll meet again at the Pearly Gates.

You told me while I was still there, in your heart I shall live on,
And through the eyes of your children, it will be as if I wasn't really gone.

                                                                Written by: Shawn Betts
                                                                   2005

∞ COURTNEY ∞
                       from Mom

Twelve years ago my first daughter was born,
But my heart was shattered and torn.
My third child was taken away,
For some reason she could not stay.
Her first day was her last,
It all just happened so fast.
I remember seeing your pretty face,
Your tiny body I could not embrace.
The pain was just too much to bear,
It's not because I didn't care.
I knew that I could not let you go,
So when they asked I said no.
Your life existed inside of me,
So I at least have that memory.
You were so perfect and beautiful too,
I just wish God gave me more time with you.
Please know I love you and will never forget,
My sweet baby girl that I never met.

                                                             Written by: Shawn Betts

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