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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Clothes (11/02/12)
The boots have made their prints in the sand
Only to be blown away by the wind;
But the prints made upon lives
Will never be forgotten.

The pants are worn thin from laying on the desert sand
Protecting freedoms and fighting for liberty;
But they also are worn from kneeling down
To comfort a young child in a war-filled country.

The jacket is torn and tattered, snagged by barbed wire in a hasty retreat,
Escaping the enemy's gunfire and explosives.
It reminds him of his torn and tattered heart,
As he thinks of his family back home.

The armor is damaged by gunfire,
A sign that it has done its job.
He wishes it could protect his heart
As well as his body.

The helmet is secured,
Protecting his head.
It also shields the sun
Beating upon him as he works

The boots now lay empty,
The pants and jacket carefully folded.
The helmet rests on top,
A sobering sign of the ultimate price

Of freedom


~~~~~~~~~~~
Written in honor of military personnel across the world who fight for their countries and in memory of those who have paid the ultimate price.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 2361 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/08/12
Wow! This is such an intense piece. It brought tears to my eyes and is perfect for us to remember as Veteran's Day draws near. It's so important that we read pieces like this lest we forget the reason why the price of war is so high.
Colin Swann
11/10/12
A unique and poignant piece and very well written; on topic and outside the box--should do well!

Colin (Gold Member)
lynn gipson 
11/10/12
I've read so many beautiful pieces this morning but this touched my heart the most. Thank you so much for this tribute to our troops and for the compassion in your heart. Excellent writing and I enjoyed this greatly!

God Bless you and your great talent!
Lillian Rhoades 
11/11/12
This is such a poignant piece!I like how you began at the bottom with boots and moved up to the top with the helmet.

You say so much with so few words. My favorite - the last line: "A sobering sign of the ultimate price." Great!
In my opinion, :-) Well done!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/12/12
I know I already commented but seeing how November 11 is Veteran's Day I was moved to read this piece again. I think what touched me the most was the spot about the knees being worn from kneeling to comfort a child. There is so much about war that I pray I'll never have to understand first hand. Normally I think of bullets shooting out of a gun in rapid succession or of bombs lighting up the sky for miles around, not to mention the red of blood staining the ground. Your piece opened my eyes to the fact that the men and women who proudly serve their country pour their hearts into their jobs so that I may go to bed tonight and not worry. I'm sure this piece will be at the top of the rankings, but no matter where it lands I hope you find a way to share it with the world. It's that good and may we never forget the sacrifices families around the globe make for us.
Danielle King 
11/12/12
A short piece that speaks volumes, particularly since we've just had Rememberance Sunday. You captured so much in your few words. I would call this a masterpiece!
Myrna Noyes
11/13/12
Wonderful piece honoring those who serve their country in the military! I salute them, too! :)
Bea Edwards 
11/13/12
Absolutely wonderful poem to honor our freedom fighters. I am putting this on my list for next years Showcase article the week of Veterans Day, you can be sure!
Thank you for crafting this splendid piece.
Noel Mitaxa 
11/15/12
So deeply eloquent in its brevity and poignancy. Excellent work.
Danielle King 
11/15/12
Congratulations Allison, on this short but amazing poem! A well deserved win.
Leola Ogle
11/15/12
Congratulations! Excellent job. I especially appreciated this because I have grandkids currently serving in the Air Force, Army and Navy. God bless!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/15/12
Congratulations. I know this one would be first! Happy Dance!!
Myrna Noyes
11/15/12
CONGRATULATIONS, Allison, on your FIRST PLACE wins!! WAY TO WRITE!! :D
Beth LaBuff 
11/15/12
A well-written poignant tribute, Allison. Super congrats on your Editor's Choice award!
Bea Edwards 
11/15/12
Happy happy happy that your tribute won!
Margaret Kearley
11/15/12
Such a wonderful and poignant poem, Alison. Tremendous writing. Many congratulations on your well deserved win.
Wilma Schlegel
11/15/12
Thank you. Congratulations - your first place is so very well deserved.
Ellen Carr 
11/16/12
Congratulations on your well-deserved win. In just a few well-chosen words you tell a moving and universal tale, of war and sacrifice.