Essays, Short stories, and Poetry |
| A Collection of Poems by Del "Abe" Jones
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THE OLD SERGEANT SERIES By Steve Newton (32) Jonathan Evans Untitled Sleeping Soldiers Poem of the Month, January 2003 I
Was A Soldier Sent in by Colonel Daniel K. Cedusky, USAR, Retired Robert E. Gossard, ETCS USN Retired Robert E. Gossard, ETCS USN Retired
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A Collection of Poems by USAF
Ret.
Thank you Abe, for sharing your wonderful poetry with us all. Below
is a link to Abe's web site where you can read more of his poetry. http://mywebpage.netscape.com/delabejones/page1.html
Two
of Abe's poems are etched in stone at the Ellis County Veterans
Memorial http://www.rootsweb.com/~txellis/photos/veterans.htm
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Another anniversary Of our "day of infamy" Of battles against terror And it’s war’s casualty.
Osama still on the roam And the borders, we control (?) Filling up with terrorists Who come to thwart our goal.
Maybe, "we can win" the war Or, "maybe we can’t" Depends on who you talk to Who’ll give you a different slant.
But, ask the friends and families Of those who have already "lost" And those who march in "harm’s way" Who, really pays the "cost"?
The bureaucrats and diplomats Political/military brass Tell us it’s all necessary And that, this too, will pass.
But, ask those who build the bombs And blow themselves, to "Kingdom Come" Who think killing innocent people Will take them to "Martyrdom".
They have no respect for life Or the consequence of actions Using any means to an "end" Of all non-Muslim factions.
Our Nation is sadly learning What others already knew That the terrorists will never quit No matter what we do.
We’ve also learned a lesson That we should have known We must work with other Countries Because, we’ll never win, alone.
Del "Abe" Jones 09-07-2004
Ten years of "BITS N PIECES" By some People who still care In a search for clues and answers About Those We left "over there".
Trying to get the military And all those politicians To take actions to find Them With calls, letters and petitions.
It’s a sad State of Affairs When the families and friends Must lead the Battle in the Search In this War that never ends.
All those loved ones still Missing Who went to War for me and you Deserve much more from our Country Than just the efforts of those few.
"The National Alliance of Families" Carries that Banner for us all To bring home those Forgotten Who answered our Nation’s Call.
Please visit their pages And give them a helping hand For if "One Missing" was "One" close to you Maybe then, you’d understand.
Del "Abe" Jones 09-05-2004
It’s too bad They can’t be Honest The type of folks who really care But it seems every election time We get the same, liars Vanity Fair.
They worry ‘bout their own Agendas And not the Solemn Oath they Swore While special interests curry favor With corporate dollars and much more.
They don’t care about "The People" Outside the "good ol’ boy", Beltway They don’t care what the Cost is Because, they’re not the ones who pay.
While they help the rich get richer And the Working Man pays the bills As long as the bucks keep rolling in They don’t "sweat" our Country’s ills.
If found, "hand in the cookie jar" Or when they get caught lying Or even make honest mistakes Their cover-ups are "trying".
Whether Republican or Democrat Seems anymore they’re all the same "Pass the buck, don’t stop it here" Is still the name of the game.
We must make them accountable The Leaders of this Land For things will never change Until the People make a stand.
They don’t put their young in Uniform Or expect them to pay their "dues" They don’t shed tears for lost, loved ones When they hear the Evening News.
"War" is just a word to them Not like in those days gone past When, we all took up the Battle When Wartime’s stone was caste.
The Proud Honor of our Warriors Seems to be strong and fine Except for those many "Elite" Who say, "No, you can’t take mine!"
Sadly, there are those bad apples Who’ll make all Soldiers look bad Like those pics coming from Iraq And those scapegoats to be "had".
Where were all the Officers From the Chain of Command In front of the enlisted Troops Where they are supposed to stand.
When our Nation is in Danger And we offer our young ones To stand there at the Frontlines It should be, Everyone’s.
Every able bodied youngster Has the Duty to Serve To do their part to earn the Life We all think that "we deserve".
We All rallied behind our Troops During the last (?) World War The "privileged" joined with the masses Though, they knew what was in store.
Moms were air-raid wardens Or worked at defense production Even kids collected scrap metal And "rations" were at great reduction.
These days, we watch it on the "tube" Desensitized against battles we mount Unless it’s one, of Our Loved Ones Who is part of the body count.
Not only in World "Theaters" Where we strive, to Right, wrong But, here at Home, everyday Where We, All can’t get along.
We must put our own "House" in Order Before we can cure the World’s woes And we could be defeated from, "within" Because of indifference to Truth's foes.
We just can’t blindly follow Believing the "powers that be" Just because they say, They Lead This, Land of the Free.
Then there is "Homeland Security" That we do need for detection Of threats against our people As long as our Rights have protection.
A small percentage of our People Serve, sacrifice, and some give all But, we must step up, do our part ‘Lest we see our "Colors" fall.
Del "Abe" Jones 05-01-2004
It’s been a long time coming And it is way overdue This Memorial to Honor Heroes Who died during World War II.
On the Mall in Washington There’s a curving Wall of Stars Marking four hundred thousand Dead Plus those Survivors healing scars.
Sixteen million Served In all the Military ways With only four million left And most, with numbered days.
Most Americans today Don’t know how close we came To the tides turning against us But for, those Battles in our name.
A Tribute we owe all Those Who paid the Ultimate Price And it’s better late than never To Honor their Supreme Sacrifice.
So many of those Veterans say That was the last, "Military War" The clear danger to our Nation Was what, They were fighting for.
Now, They will never be forgotten Immortalized within that Stone Gathered together in one place So, They will never be alone.
Del "Abe"Jones 05-29-2004
Fourteen more young wasted lives And one teacher who gave all And once more the questions Why, no one heard the call.
Why, two young minds and hearts Were filled with so much hate Why, they took it on themselves To seal, all those others fate.
There is no answer, that makes sense No way to sort it out And we should all, ask just what We, really are about.
Why, the future is no more For all of those young souls Why, no more hopes and dreams No chance to reach their goals.
Why, with all our expertise And, our technology Why, we can’t stop the madness In our "great" (?) society.
There is no answer, that makes sense No way to sort it out And we should all, ask just what We, really are about.
Why, our children can get guns Make bombs to kill and maim Why, parents think, "No, not mine! (Don’t play, that deadly game.)
Why, we say every time "It shouldn’t happen here!" Why, we don’t take it serious And shudder with fear.
There is no answer, that makes sense No way to sort it out And we should all, ask just what We, really are about.
4-21-99 Del "Abe" Jones
On the tenth day of November In Seventeen seventy-five Two Battalions were formed And the Marine Corps came alive.
The Continental Congress Had passed a resolution For a landing force for the fleet A new Navy Institution.
Since that day so long ago Through all conflicts of our Nation They’ve fueled stories and folklore And stirred the imagination.
They’re usually the first to go The "spearhead" of the fight Some who heard they were coming Have turned tail and took flight.
They’ve offered up, gave their All And that continues to this day Standing tall, marching forth To show others, Freedom’s way.
Del "Abe" Jones 05-26-2004
We send them out to risk their lives And then, when they give their all We hear their names on the news Without Ceremony, and that's all.
Each should have an Honor Guard That's shown, for the World to see That we pay homage to all those Who died for all our Liberty.
Each, should have their own caisson Rolling slowly, down each street To make us, always remember Who our enemies, did meet.
But, nowadays it seems That all the Powers that be Want them to return unnoticed And, Without Ceremony.
"It's too hard for the Loved Ones." If, we Honor, their Remains They say, "Out of sight and mind." Will help ease all the pains.
But our Government, (and us) Who let them come home unseen And, Without Ceremony Are doing something that's obscene.
We have Celebrations When the rest of them return But, it's the Dead and Wounded Who could teach us, if, we'd learn.
Del "Abe" Jones 02-22-2004
Well, Dale Junior did it And, in an awesome way After his Dad won the first time Eleven years, to the day.
I think there were two drivers In that car Saturday night Junior was at the wheel And Dale calling shots, just right.
A guiding hand upon his shoulder And a voice there in his mind Saying, "You can do it, Junior! Because, we are a special kind."
Sometimes in the shadow And now, he casts his own And I’m sure Dale’s proud Of the man, he’s grown.
What a fitting tribute From Junior for his Dad All the glory of the win But, some ways, still sad.
They say, time will heal all But, there’ll always be that space Left by that Number 3 car In every NASCAR race.
But, that was an indication That we might see it all, again As Junior carries the tradition And then, all of us will win.
Del "Abe" Jones 7-8-01
I bet Dale’s lookin’ down sayin’ "Now, wasn’t that some race We took first and second And almost, a third place".
I bet he’s saying, "Sterling, You sure took me for a run, And I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun."
We swapped a little paint And shared each others rubber You gave me the race I like And I love you, Brother".
Del "Abe" Jones 2-20-01
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For more than twenty years He ran those ol’ stock cars Now, he’s racing in the Heavens In and out amongst the stars.
Less than half a century He spent here in this place But, made his mark in history And there’ll always be a trace
He left this world doing the thing Closest to his heart Now he’ll race forever With a brand new "green flag start"
He’ll be missed by many Fans, friends, and family But if we look to the sky I know that we will see
His number "3" flash by Bumping, a star or two To let all know, he’s there Like he always, loved to do.
Del "Abe" Jones February 19, 2001
I bet Daddy was a’ grinning When, the checkered fell And hollered out, "That’s my Boy!" (As if, we couldn’t tell.)
Little E said, "He was with me.* Said, Dale was riding by his side And I bet he shed, a tear too As, his heart swelled with pride.
It’s three years since we lost him But, Dale never went away ‘Cause he's riding ‘round with Junior On each and every, racing day.
Del "Abe" Jones 2-15-2004
She was there at the beginning When the world was new to you - She was there to turn to happy times Those when, you were hurt or blue.
She was there to listen to your thoughts And when you asked, to give advice - She was there to tell you, "Those don't match!" Or, "Hon, you sure look nice."
She was there with you at nighttime To help you say your prayers _ She was there to tell you, "It's alright." When you had a dream that scares.
She was there at morning time To get you up and out of bed - She was there when you didn't feel good (or did) To say, "You'd best stay home, instead."
She was there when you were hungry And when you had those dirty clothes - She was there when you needed her (How she knew? Only heaven knows.)
She was there at the beginning And she'll be there your whole life through - She'll be there in your mind and heart Just like a Mother’s supposed to do.
Del "Abe" Jones (May 15, 2004)
At the urging of Harry Truman The third Saturday in May The new Department of Defense Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day".
A day to Thank all the Services Who defend our air, land, and sea Who serve our Country Proudly Defending, this Land of the Free.
All those young Men and Women And too, all of those "oldsters" Who march, fly, and set sail As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers.
Some of them serve as "Regulars" And some just do, the weekend But all step forward, Strong and Proud When we need someone to send.
The times have been a'changing And missions they're asked to do Grow much more complicated Than what, they used to do.
They must be Warrior and Diplomat With clenched fist or gentle touch Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry Build roads, hospitals, and such.
"A Tradition of Heroes" Is what some people say But, we all owe them, "Thank you!" On this, "Armed Forces Day"
Del "Abe" Jones 05-12-2004
Since the Birth of our Nation We have sent our Young to War To do Battle for our Freedoms For Truth, and Right, and More.
We take them from their Families And send them all around the World To show all the other Peoples How, Freedom’s flag’s unfurled.
They’re sent with a wealth of knowledge That they carry and spread well Our Ambassadors to others With a story only, they can tell.
So, as we bask in our lifestyles And gather ‘round the Christmas Tree Let’s say a Prayer and Give Thanks To those who make us Free.
Lets bring them all Home for a moment And hold them in our Heart and Mind For each and every one’s a Hero And each, one of a very Special kind.
Del
"Abe" Jones
A time for picnics, time off work Vacations and the "Indy" A holiday, too often times We forget what it should be.
A time to pay respect to those Who rallied to the battle cry Who gave their lives for liberty Those freedoms for you and I.
Such a waste of brave young souls Some still struggling through their youth Who faced and fell willingly Before wartimes' awful truth.
So as we share this holiday With our friends or family Take a moment to give thanks to Those who died so we'd stay free.
Let us strive for world peace For the end of greed and hate For next time, after "the war" It just may be too damned late.
Freedom's Memorial
This day is set aside to honor those who took the chance to die.
But they have died in vain if we ever forget the reason why.
Freedom can be like time slipping away before we even know.
But we all have the choice more, a duty to battle freedoms' foe.
Let us give thanks this day to all those brave who paid the highest cost.
Not take it for granted and realize it easily could be lost.
Del "Abe" Jones
We've Troops around the World Who put, their Life on the line And sometimes give their All For, Freedoms of yours and mine.
But now, it seems much different We ask them, in another’s name To Protect their Freedoms, too And Sacrifice, like it’s the same.
But, you can’t give Freedom away It’s something, you must embrace And it may not always work In, each and every time and place.
We can’t change centuries of life And ask our Troops to lead the way To place their lives in jeopardy Just because, the Politicians say.
But now, that we are in this mess It must be seen through to the end And a Prayer said, for those who die Amongst those brave souls, we send.
It’s so sad at this year’s Tribute We must add, all those Names we do With the Hope, that by next year All these Wars will be through.
2-2-2004 Del "Abe" Jones
Sometimes I catch myself Thinking, "When I phone, I can talk of this or that!" Then remember, I'm alone.
She was always there To answer my calls - To listen to my "small talk" Or when I climbed the walls.
Sometimes, I didn't feel like talking And somehow, she understood - Didn't say she wished I'd call Or make me feel like I should.
Now, I wish I would have More times, to show I cared - To say, just how important Were, all those times we shared.
I could have shown my love So much more than I did - I never, did it enough Even when I was a kid.
Now it's too late to do or say All those things I wish I had - No way to ease the pain inside When my heart is sad.
She was my "anchor" to this life - The "rock", that I clung to - The place, where I could turn When, nowhere else would do.
Now, the ravages of time Have worn my "rock" away - And all I have to cling to Are memories of yesterday.
Del "Abe" Jones
Sometimes Mom in passing Would pat you on the back And sometimes in passing She'd show you the right track.
Sometimes Mom in passing Would say, "You sure look nice!" And sometimes in passing She could, make you, think twice.
Sometimes Mom in passing Would lightly touch your hair And sometimes in passing She'd show you what was fair.
Sometimes Mom in passing Would ask, "What do you mean?" And sometimes in passing She would get in between.
Sometimes Mom in passing Would give you, "that look" And sometimes in passing Would give you what it took.
But this time, Mom is passing From this world to the best And this time in passing She'll pass the final test.
And when Mom has passed And the pain is so unkind Just look and you'll find her There in your heart and mind.
Del "Abe" Jones
Only twenty years ago She came onto this earth Joined by Sis, Charity At the time of Her birth.
Another older Sister Two Brothers, Mom and Dad Left behind to mourn the loss With much Pride, within the sad.
Three women, "in country" Doing their Duty with the Guard But Mom and Dad, never guessed That, it could be so hard.
Trying to help another People In a foreign, far-off land Fighting for, and against them Is not exactly, what they’d planned.
Now, they want their "Babies" Home Or at least, in some safe place For fear of another loss That, can never be replaced.
They have made their sacrifice In the highest order of the day Michelle, a Soldier who Gave All Is the price, they had to pay.
Del "Abe" Jones White Bluff, TN 4-13-2004 (Etched in Texas Monument)
Not enough credit given, to mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, Some too, who gave their all, the best years of their lives. There's some, wore a uniform, of one of the military "branches" And like all of those men, taken some deadly chances. Some were in the U.S.O., brought a little taste of home, With small talk, donuts, coffee, where'er the troops would roam. There was "Rosie the Riveter," who fought her own war here. And the nurses that eased the pain, and tried to ease the fear. There were women pilots, who put their lives on the line, Said, "Send me where you will. That suits me, just fine!" Those who stayed at home, to raise their families, Who gave all, went without, realizing harsh realities. So many of those women, who gave so much more Than they were asked to, during each and every war. We honor those, upon this stone, and give our humble "Thanks" To those who served with honor, in our country's wartime ranks.
Del "Abe" Jones
(May 7)
It’s a day set aside in May To Honor those often left at home Who stand beside their loved ones Who are often on the roam.
They raise the family, pay the bills And do it all without complaint Many times they aren’t too happy But hold their feelings in restraint.
They’re the backbone of the Services And hold the line on the Homefront They put their own lives on hold With their Spouses’ on the forefront.
Men and Women hold the "Fort" down For their significant others Who are off preserving Freedom With their "Sisters" and "Brothers".
There’s not enough Credit given To those Spouses left behind For they truly are a rare breed Of a very Special kind.
Del "Abe" Jones 05-06-2004
This day is set aside to honor those who took the chance to die.
But they have died in vain if we ever forget the reason why.
Freedom can be like time slipping away before we even know.
But we all have the choice more, a duty to battle freedoms' foe.
Let us give thanks this day to all those brave who paid the highest cost.
Not take it for granted and realize it easily could be lost.
Del "Abe" Jones
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THE OLD SERGEANT SERIES By Steve Newton (32)
Mail call was always a great day for the platoon. Even though the mail came intermittently it was usually a day of sharing home made cookies and other treats. They passed around new CD’s and music was playing everywhere. “Kids,” the old sergeant thought. What ever happened to Old Blue Eyes and Dean Martin? But even though he never received any mail himself he enjoyed watching his men.
He noticed that one of the men was sitting over in a corner all by himself and he did not look happy. Uh oh, the old sergeant thought. A face like that usually meant trouble at home and trouble at home could lead to body bags here. He ambled over to the kid and sat down beside him. “How are things at home soldier?” The kid bent his head down so the sergeant couldn’t see his eyes and just handed the letter over for him to read.
As the sergeant read through the letter he found very quickly that it was a “Dear John.” The kid’s girlfriend had found someone that was not serving their country but who at least was home. The bad part about it was she didn’t put it very gently. She racked the poor kid over the coals pretty good.
“Aw, sh--,” the sergeant, thought. This is trouble. “Soldier, you know there isn’t much a man can say at a time like this. The only thing I can tell you is that you’ll |