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Rett
Rett
Nov 10, 2009 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

For Those of Ft. Hood, Texas

It seems I have not only been outvoted, but outflanked so I am reposting it. Thanks to all that think the poem is worthy.

For Those of Ft. Hood, Texas

The stars that in olden days
That once so brightly blazed
Shine again in brilliant light
For those who lost their life

To pipes a dirge is softly sung
As tears are sadly wrung
From eyes now drenched in sorrow
That will not lessen on the ‘morrow

Their souls live on though laid to rest
In hearts that knew them best
Their lives were not lived in vain
And through loved ones live again

The stars that in olden days
That once so brightly blazed
Shine again in brilliant light
For those that lost their life

My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of those killed.
Rett

They were murdered by a fanatic and any attempt by anyone to disparage them for doing their duty is contemptible. Peddle your arguments elsewhere people.

Rett
— Rett, Nov 10, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Southern Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: Dickenson, Longfellow

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Critiques

Rett

Rett

16 years 7 months ago

Thanks Lonnie

My heart goes out to them. Respectfully, Rett: "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty". Thomas Jefferson
S

sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 6 months ago

A soldiers truth

Rett. I found your poem well to my mind. A grip of words well placed as chimes. Yet I think a little different than most. No not to boast. Understand if you will I take nothing from the kind words you placed to that moment in time. I say that political correctness has seen its end at least to me friend. Sad day that is for a American to say that even his military was sleeping at the switch. I throw my cover to the air. As I wonder why did good men pass away for such a stupid preventable act of a true traitor. Good luck as I cry and ask why. Yet no answer will ever give solace to the souls that you speak of. Steven A. Kacer
Rett

Rett

16 years 6 months ago

I agree Steven

Political correctness has gotten to the point where we would rather let a killer live in society untouched before we would take a chance on insulting anyone. Respectfully, Rett: “Anyone who sacrifices liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin
Rett

Rett

16 years 6 months ago

As have men

throughout history for a cause they believe in Theo. Whether it be for Kings, tribal leaders, religion, pure conquest, power or control of viable land. Respectfully, Rett: “Anyone who sacrifices liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 6 months ago

Silence is golden

kaligantsaros. I thought you were to be just you a choice to make a soul to degredate. Instead you act like a soul that loves this land. You lie and from now on I will tell any person that wishes to know you sir are a trator a person that has no love fore the freedom of the people you hide behind a mask. To heck with you and if and when sh-it hits the fan I won't wqalk accross the street to place human excrement upon you if it were to place the fire away. Steven A. Kacer
Rett

Rett

16 years 6 months ago

Steven, people

have a right to disagree. Theo and I don't agree on many things, but let's not start a fight please. I feel strongly as you do and I am sure Theo does about his point of view, so let us agree to disagree and leave it at that. Respectfully, Rett: “Anyone who sacrifices liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 5 months ago

Holding not a tear

Kaligansaros. To be honest with you. My brother James would blow you away with his words. Yet he was a soldier Navy. My brother Floyd would just play the game and unless you ran your mouth would let you say whatever you wished. Yet he could take you life in less time than you could run your mouth. Yes a soldier a Marine. And not to loose a brother from the past his name also is James. He would have swept your legs and killed you in less time than it took your heart to place a beet. Also a soldier Army. I think you are a fool yet the men that I love stood for truth and the life they offerd up was for thier children. So now just my truth is left. I will stand by the side and well never forget what they offerd to the truth and why they wen't to a place so cold so full of death. I say only this as no need for a fight from a stooge that thinks life is given without a reason. Understand you ignorant stupid fool. Soldiers you have no remorce for. Then rott in hell as that is just the place for you and yours. Steven A. Kacer
M

magics02

16 years 5 months ago

Sakkkk

Hello Steven I was just reading what you said in here and I am not meaning to jump in on Rett or Kal but I am confused as to what your last post was about, or whom you were speaking about. I think I know, and this is just my opinion of choice of words.. Rett wrote a beautfiful poem and addressed the family and friends of those who were killed in this hideous incident. I thought it was beautifully written and it touched many hearts as it did mine. Rett is a good man. If for someone else that wrote a comment rebuted Rett's words, remember Zak as I have found out on here that not everyone will agree with us on this issue. You hold true to your self how you feel and for those that do speak ill of soldiers or of the wars or whatever on here they need to speak also, we may not agree with it but it is a poetry site and we should try to respect each others views or lack of. It is opinions and viewpoints that get into heated debates here and as I have read stuff that I do not agree or particularily like I just go on to the next post, blog, comment whatever thats in here. Sometimes I will choose not to comment and sometimes I feel an urge to do so. That is just me, I am neither right or left on it. As not everyone will like my work I shall respect their right in that manner. NO HARM DONE, NO HARM TAKEN... we are all here for a reason, some more different then others. As in anything in life..this is the internet and not human contact....I will let go of that for now.... I think I got involved with a discussion on Neopoet just about this same topic. And yes just as it made me frustrated I found myself defending our soldiers also. People can say all kinds of things on here and yes everyone has their opinion, viewpoint what ever, it is okay. NO ONE ON HERE WHATSOEVER CAN AND WILL EVER TAKE AWAY MY HONOR FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER.(didnt mean to use those caps but I am speaking loudly here) I hold this in my heart and disparaging words to the contrary on this very topic I blow to the wind. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR SOLDIERS HERE AND ABROAD AND LET NO STONE GO UNTURNED OR UNRAVELED FOR SOMEONE ELSES POINT OF VIEW ON THIS TOPIC. Hopefully I didn't upset no one here and now. It is just my opinion and thank you Rett for a heartfelt poem and Sakk thank you also for your stance on our soldiers anywhere in this world. Peace and love to you and others. Magics02 x00x0x
M

magics02

16 years 6 months ago

BEAUTIFUL

You know something this made me cry I love it and I was so hurt for these innocent soldiers that got killed right here in our USA...my Daddy went there for basic training..that was a horrible act my friend and your poem needs to be published..simply beautiful 5 stars from Magic..nice chatting tonight Texan Rett!!!
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 6 months ago

A soldiers truth

Rett. This by chance will sound ignorant. I guess that is the reason most soldiers should not be to hold the role of president. Perhaps the fool without love for this country has a clue. As if I were to hold that position the middle east would have benn turned to glass the second after they played a sad game to the United States. I can however say this our soldiers never offer thier lives for money just simple pride. So with all respect I can muster to this passing world so full of hate. Try as you will to place a soldier to hell. In the end he is a person worth his soul. By chance he is well to fight and yes he will give of his soul all of his might. I wonder what God said to them before and after they walked to his light. Those that place thier bombs just to a factory of milk and schools are and will be to pay come the day of reconning. As in my mind they will not have thier vergins only a large pool of burning souls. And I enjoy the thought that forever they will be to pay. Not like the death of a true soldier even if in a unmarked grave. Steven A. Kacer
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magics02

16 years 6 months ago

Thank y0u..beautfiully said

Steven I love your words, what a heart you have and I share the same sentiments. You have a wonderful day today and talk to you later on chay. Howmany hours different are you from Florida? God Bless You Magics02
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 6 months ago

Just thinking

Magic. I find that I'am not to have a kind heart when thinking about soldiers that offered up thier lives to be taken is such a way. I'm to be out of accord to my life as I say I blame the person himself for his acts yet also is blame held to the respect of those that are in charge. What bothers my mind is that they knew what he was and let him play his killing game. I can offer only those that hold such a loose of a loved one solace and just the truth. The truth is simple there are many like myself that would gladly trade thier place in life if it would bring thier loved one back home. I do think that soldiers are worthy of respect. As I can sleep in my American bed and not worry that my children will be killed walking to school come the morrow my friend. Enough of my mind as the populace will be told almost nothing to the truth and yes I would offer up my young to fight if they wished to keep the people of the United States free. Steven A. Kacer
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magics02

16 years 5 months ago

My son

Kali, I do not know of to whom you speak of here. I do not know you, how old you are or anything else about you. I will say this though. You are entitled to your words. I think you may have commented on my words one time or another and I am okay with it. All I will say to your comment is this. I love the USA. I love our soldiers and if my son would want to join the service for the love of his country then that is his decision alone. I would not offer up my son to die but if this should be his wish to serve in any form of a military career I would be proud of him and support him if he wishes to do so. My son is a good son. Do not infer him in any of this discussion please. Thank you.. I understand your feelings on this issue and I shall offer only my words of peace to you. You are entitled to your words. God is star studded in such that HE is and always will be. I do not want ridicule or backlash anymore on this. I do not preach to no one or think my stand on my faith is pushed on anyone. Everyone has their right to believe in whatever higher power or no power of their choice. I do not fault them or think any different about them. For the sake of this post my faith is something I hold dear to myself and that is that. That is my stand on that in which I take alone. I will not argue religion of that nature again in this forum, for I am not going to get into my religion or anything else on this matter since it is a personal matter, and to that it is alone. I however care deeply for Rett and Sakk and I was just passing by on this post to support their words. No offense to you, however this is where I stand and stand tall on it. I love my country, I love my God, I love my soldiers that are serving and have served and I love my fellow man no matter how much he disagrees with my viewpoints. And that is all I have to say Peace Magics 02
M

magics02

16 years 5 months ago

THINGS ARE NOT CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR IN THE MIRROR

Freedom. As we did not start this war it still exists, we are not in control of it. Us as Americans do not have so much to say about it either as it is in others hands. We have to protect our own country and for which we stand. We therefore will stand by our country like you stand for yours. We also have opened our doors to asylum seekers, refugees, illegals, the displaced and medically needed and have done so for many years....think of that for a moment.. We also opened them for the same people who took many lives here in our country some years ago. Was justice ever served for that? We did not start this war and war was brought unto our soil from just those same people who were seeking asylum, etc. We have many people also that live here in the great USA that do not like it here. They hate us. Well then shy dont they go to their country where they love or came from and choose .... we do not keep them here and hold them here so why do they stay? THE MASS MAJORITY OF US AMERICANS DO LOVE OUR COUNTRY... the ones that dont why do they stay?? Some come for other reasons then seeking refuge, some come to get away from suppression and oppression...the list goes on..there are many reasons. Can you sit back and see if this would of happened in your country or to any members of your family how would you feel about that? We lost many lives that day at the hands of whom?? Was it right? No it wasn't. Could we have prevented it? Could we have saved all these innocent men, women and children? Who knows these answers? What I am saying here is this... for every life and soul that was taking that beautiful morning and for whatever reason or reasons, that gave these men to do what they did. NONE OF IT WAS JUSTIFIED OR EVER WILL BE. At least that is my feelings. Can you or anyone put the price of a life so precious to a war? FREEDOM AND PEACE and the future of all our children...that is what I stand proud for in my country.. I do not want to correspond on Rett's pages here anymore as I have great respect for this man and the others who share with me these sentiments, or the ones that do not. If you would like to talk anymore of these things you may email me or pm me or just discontinue this discussion. You love your country I love mine and there is nothing wrong with that. As far as bashing America,I shall go with America for which I am proud to live here. I will take that one to the grave with me. I am also saying that not everything that goes on here is all peaches and cream, there are things that are out of our control and in the hands of others who make decisions. NOT US!! No country is without discourse, remember that one. Therefore I shall not continue this back and forth as this site is about poetry and if it is intended to bash this country for which I proudly stand I will not partake. There are sites on the web to openly display your feelings about our USA. For this is done. I love my country....and respect all our men and women in uniform. Will we ever have peace, only God knows. Peace again to you Magics02
M

magics02

16 years 6 months ago

Understood

I read your comment and I thought this poem was very well written by Rett, I also understand about soldiers, my father, my uncles, alot of my friends and family serve in these wars..I would never underestimate the role of a soldier and all he stands for. This act in Texas could have been prevented I believe if someone out there was doing their job right. Again someone missed the cue ball here....How many more times do things have to happen in this country before we say enough is enoug....h. war is not a way to peace... neither peace is not a way to war....thinking..... Magic02
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 6 months ago

Nothing special

Magic. If you need to know I have spent to much time in Retts place of poetry. I however think he is a fine poet a person of truth. P.S. If you wish to speak with me meat me in chat. Steven A. Kacer
deelilah

deelilah

16 years 6 months ago

Dear Rett

Thank you for the tribute to the fallen soldiers in Texas. How many acts like this one will it take to wake us up? I for one will gladly hold dearly the doctrine of the US in all its good and bad over the doctrine of murderers. There is no excuse for the screw up at Fort Hood nor the coverup taking place now by the government and the media. Always, Deelilah
Rett

Rett

16 years 6 months ago

I wish I knew Deelilah

It seems Americans are too worried they might offend someone if they say or do anything that isn't "Politically correct". It is sad. It should NEVER have happened. Respectfully, Rett: “Anyone who sacrifices liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin
M

magics02

16 years 6 months ago

AGREE DEE

Yes and I confer with the above post...no excuse for this ever...insanity whatever they may plead..innocent men and women...and the hands of a doctor?? Such a shame to happen right on one of our own turfs. Rett you did a beautiful poem here sensitivity and all. Great job my friend. magics02
S

sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 5 months ago

TRUTH

Rett, Well friend. You hold the power to kick me out. Yet I will always be just me. A soldier that loves poetry. Yet when a person or even a poet from another place in this world is to say such things about a soldier. I would say what I did agian and agin and well what the heck it is just me Steven A. To say with my words to hell with them that love to place a soldier as dead stupid men. Steven A. Kacer
Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 5 months ago

Oh, my didn’t know this

Oh, my didn't know this was happening. When a mind is open enough to see both (if not all) sides of an issue, we have imo... sheer, unadulterated poetry. The conversations ensuing usually bring us downhill from that. It's a wonder (or is it?) that there were signs from all avenues but where not garnered for a single viable consideration.... then 9/11 happened... CIA, FBI, etc...all the powers that be... had bits and pieces of information... but no one put it all together to avert it... If indeed the conspiracy theorists are wrong. Same here. There are always *signs* we do not pay attention to, individually and collectively. In retrospect, they were always present. Sad for the families. Sad for the lives lost. Peace. ~A Don’t let your victories go to your head, or your failures go to your heart.
Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 5 months ago

Moot point now that Rett has

Moot point now that Rett has removed the POEM. If one reads the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, one observes that war and preparation for war eventually usurps one or the other of their side (of war) AND their inalienable human right to exist. Now, we can get into the existence of evil... Who and what that is. See where I'm heading? Peace. ~A Don’t let your victories go to your head, or your failures go to your heart.
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 5 months ago

Responsibility

Rett, Howdy friend. I take this place to simply say I'm sorry to have placed words that were to comply to the loss of a fine poem. Also I would like to apologize for words spoken in you place of poetry. And to those that are poets. I understand this is a place of thoughts held by all of us to reply as we see fit. I will bite my toung a little harder and say nothing agian to respect of a soldier. With only love in my words and yes at times hate in my mind. I will let it slide off my back as to truth that is America. Live and let live. The reason we try. So if you can excuse my words I ask that you place the fine poem you wrote back as it is a thought that should be heard. Thanks for your time. Steven A. Kacer
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magics02

16 years 5 months ago

CONFER

AND DEAR RETT I FEEL THE SAME WAY AS SAKKKK. I ALSO THINK YOU SHOULD PUT THE POEM BACK UP AS IT REPRESENTS ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THIS HORRIBLE ACT. STAY TALL FOR YOUR POEM DON'T LET ANYONE THINK THEY GOT THE BEST OF YOU BY YOU DELETING IT, FOR AFTER ALL YOU WON THE HEARTS OF MANY WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL POEM (S) GOD BLESS AND GOD BLESS THE USA. LOVE, MAGICS 02
Breakinglogic

Breakinglogic

16 years 5 months ago

please do, i have read the

please do, i have read the heated debate, but not yet the poem. please rett. i would really like to stab my eyes into such it seams it may be.
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 5 months ago

Rett my friend

You know what? I wasn't going to say anything. I was going to keep my mouth SHUT. I was going to let it pass. But I cannot. Put the poem back up. Screw them, your tribute is more important than their disgusting stupidity. Put the poem back up. Just in case the rest of you rats didn't know - and YOU know who the FLOCK I'm talking to - this has nothing to do with American foreign policy, so-called American imperialism, or anything else that has anything to do with the American military, war, Geneva conventions, the UN or any damned thing ELSE. It has everything to do with being horrified, saddened and disgusted by an act of senseless violence by a coward who, instead of standing up, saying "I cannot do what you order me to do", and accepting the consequences, decided to murder as many people as he possibly could instead. Offend them? IT IS I WHO AM OFFENDED. I am offended by those who think its OK to belittle and denigrate those who cannot defend themselves because they were slaughtered by some fanatical nut-job who decided it was a good thing to kill as many of his fellow soldiers as possible, in lieu of doing what he was mandated to do, i.e. serve the nation that he took an oath to defend. I am offended by those who think it is OK to attack someone just because that person - right OR wrong, it DOESN'T MATTER - decided to make a tribute to the dead in the form of a poem. A POEM, for God's sake. I am doubly offended by those who conveniently overlook the savagery and imperialistic barbarism of their own nation's history while calling themselves "enlightened" and "progressive". Screw them. Put the poem back up, my friend. Now, if you (you know who you are) think that what I just wrote is about you, then you're probably right, it is. I wish to read and write POETRY, not get involved in some stupid, petty nastiness about things that none of us have any God-damned control over anyway, freedom and the right to vote notwithstanding. If you want to talk about war and politics and right and wrong, PUT IT IN A POEM. Otherwise, got hunt for a political chat room somewhere - there are plenty. And yeah, I'm way the FLOCK pissed off. When ANYONE feels that they have to delete a poem here because it "offends" someone or because it elicits a negative response or because it isn't "politically correct" - God help me, I HATE P.C. - then yeah I GET PISSED OFF. So leave the damned politics and self-righteousness at the virtual door, OK? There isn't any place for it here, when it causes shit like this. There. I wasn't gonna do it, but I had to, it was eating at me. Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race
Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 5 months ago

Alas, this is where I

Alas, this is where I disagree with you, Jim It has everything to do with the poem, the feelings & thoughts engenderd by Rett's poem which brought about the *reactions* AND the act of one very disturbed man. ~A Don’t let your victories go to your head, or your failures go to your heart.
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magics02

16 years 5 months ago

I VERY MUCH AGREE

I VERY MUCH AGREE AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE RETT PUT UP HIS GREAT POEM..WE CAN IGNORE THE INSULTS OR TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. THANKS RACE9TOGO. VERY WELL SAID PEACE MAGICS02
Breakinglogic

Breakinglogic

16 years 5 months ago

I went ahead and found the

I went ahead and found the google chached page and read your poem. It was a wonderful write for those who havent read it and wish to: http://74.125.155.132/search?oe=UTF-8&hl=en&q=cache%3ArpdEFzFHqrIJ%3Awww.neopoet.com%2Fnode%2F29929
Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 5 months ago

A resounding Bravo from me

A resounding Bravo from me too, Rett. If I listened to my detractors, those who express & reiterated at every opportunity their hated for me, my thinking or feelings as I enlivened them in my poetry, I would not be here now. I would have let *them* win. It's a fine line when one is in disagreement to be able to disagree with respect, without a personal affront. It's also a fine line not to create a situation where we consciously categorize the other as friend or foe... at least here in poetry land. We disagree. We agree. From that comes our life's poem. ~A Don’t let your victories go to your head, or your failures go to your heart.
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magics02

16 years 5 months ago

very well said

If I listened to my detractors, those who express & reiterated at every opportunity their hated for me, my thinking or feelings as I enlivened them in my poetry, I would not be here now. I would have let *them* win. I ditto this one Kali, very well said and my heart goes out to Rett on this one. Magics02
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magics02

16 years 5 months ago

Thank you Rett

I forgot and this is for Rett ..thank you for following our advise as this is a treasure of a poem and it does touch many hearts, mine included. magics02
Breakinglogic

Breakinglogic

16 years 5 months ago

yes, this had become quite a

yes, this had become quite a contraversy, but it seems now we are all on the same side, just some of us had momentarily forgot why we come here im sure
DawningDaytripper

DawningDaytripper

16 years 5 months ago

Congrat's on Evolution Paw!!

Worthy, thoughtful, thought provoking. And now in Evolution for those who missed the first time, like my absent self. I wish comments could remain with the work and it's intentions instead of wandering in to left... or is it right... field. It is so distracting. But the fact that it provokes coversation, and for some disagreement, proves it's value. I feel for all effected by the tragedy, and don't for all those who make it an impersonal and bloated attack on a good and heart felt poem. Whatever the politic's. I love to disagree with Rett, my Paw. But finding the mental middle ground is what makes it all worth while. Arguing with a gentleman is pretty cool too. Not many more of those these days. But I keep it in the blogs, PM's or at least on the basis of offering him the respect of his own comments. He posts more than enough to argue with and is more than willing for a deep discussion. So I know from first hand expirence, attacking him is pointless and never proves a point. Not to mention after a couple of years people should notice, he is never the one pointed to as an instigator. Good reason, he writes poetry. States his well earned and learned postion, and to fellows offering a respect filled arguement, will argue it till the ground. For those who don't, he ignores you. For people who value a good arguement, it just doesn't get any better. So the attacks against him raise my hackles. Then to see his friends back him, make me thankful for being at Neo. Although it is why I support a report comments button. Can't we all just get along!! JK that would be to much to ask, but seriously, can't we respect that others may have differing opinions and CHOOSE to not attack them for it. Espeacialy on their poetry. Lets keep it real, for why we are here. Poetry. Opinions are like assholes, every one has one, but we don't all have to see it or look at it ALL the time. It's seems so easy when I say it..... Good poem Paw. And although I am sorry I missed the opprotunity to stick up for your poems rights, and yours too. I am glad you reposted it so I can read it now. Luv from me to you Paw, Julie
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sakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

16 years 5 months ago

Poetry

Rett, Thanks for placing this fine poem back to read. I enjoyed the words placed as well as the tear that runs down my face. I hope there are at least a few like myself that read it agian and agian as each time another thought is to be found inside my mind. Strange my friends the thoughts of men. As I say to myself let it go yet then my short hairs crawl up on the back of my neck and a voice inside me is to say hell no speak your mind and kick some arse and take the name. What the heck as it matters not what I think. What matters is a quill placed to parchment with love and respect. Thanks Rett as I enjoyed the read of a poem placed for a reason of truth. Your friend from a far away place. PS. If the light you keep to your flags flown with dignity ever is to glow dim then call on me I will be happy to hold the candel untill the sun can shine agian. Steven A. Kacer
Rett

Rett

16 years 5 months ago

Thanks everyone

May poetry rule. Respectfully, Rett: “Anyone who sacrifices liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin
Race_9togo

Race_9togo

16 years 5 months ago

You most welcome

nah-nah-na-na, poetry roo-ools, hey-hey-hey, poetry roo-ools!!!!! "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race