November 22, 1963
A free verse poem about JFK's assassination.76 total reviews
Comment from Joan E.
I had forgotten that there were three gunshots, making the situation even more frightening. I admired your vivid retelling of the story and "wooden soldiers" simile plus your dramatic conclusion. Sighs- Joan
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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I had forgotten that there were three gunshots, making the situation even more frightening. I admired your vivid retelling of the story and "wooden soldiers" simile plus your dramatic conclusion. Sighs- Joan
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thanks for reading, Joan. Linda
Comment from robyn corum
Linda,
I can't imagine what those moments were actually like. Having grown up in a world where world leaders could be shot, and where that film loop played over and over - the impact was lessened somewhat. Not much, mind you, but a bit. The horror still lingers. Your words are powerful. Thank you!
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Linda,
I can't imagine what those moments were actually like. Having grown up in a world where world leaders could be shot, and where that film loop played over and over - the impact was lessened somewhat. Not much, mind you, but a bit. The horror still lingers. Your words are powerful. Thank you!
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thanks for reading, Robyn. Linda
Comment from royowen
The assassinations in the 1960s seemed to be almost commonplace. After the initial shock and the desensitising of the world to assassinations in the US, it seemed as though it was almost expected. Although Jesus warned not only Peter when He said, "He who lives by the sword...?" Well done, Linda, you've penned a goodie, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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The assassinations in the 1960s seemed to be almost commonplace. After the initial shock and the desensitising of the world to assassinations in the US, it seemed as though it was almost expected. Although Jesus warned not only Peter when He said, "He who lives by the sword...?" Well done, Linda, you've penned a goodie, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thanks so much, Roy! Linda
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Welcome
Comment from Bill Schott
This free verse, November 22, 1963, captures the horror of that few moments when the world lost its shine and the thoughts of a peaceful, youth-led future were stolen away.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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This free verse, November 22, 1963, captures the horror of that few moments when the world lost its shine and the thoughts of a peaceful, youth-led future were stolen away.
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thank you for reading, Bill. Linda
Comment from evesayshi
In my opinion, though a horrific and forever devastating event, this poem is superbly rendered in its undeniably dramatic, yet reverent free verse - stunning in construction and stark presentation and fluid in movement. I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing at precisely that time. I witnessed that most harrowing event on television, holding my baby daughter in my arms...
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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In my opinion, though a horrific and forever devastating event, this poem is superbly rendered in its undeniably dramatic, yet reverent free verse - stunning in construction and stark presentation and fluid in movement. I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing at precisely that time. I witnessed that most harrowing event on television, holding my baby daughter in my arms...
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thank you for reading, commenting and for the six stars. Linda
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You are very welcome, Linda, a most harrowing memory, distinctive in narration...Eve
Comment from CrystieCookie999
This is a fascinating poem, mainly because I was not alive at this historic event's occurrence regarding the end of JFK's mortal life. It is always difficult to lose a beloved leader, but moreso when it comes through senseless violence. I thought these lines here helped describe how everyone felt: there was a heaviness in the air
parents pulled children closer to them
all seemed to move in slow motion
. . .if they moved at all. . .
people stared with horrified eyes
like the world had been frozen in time
they were waiting for news
And I think your last two lines with the long 'e' assonance or half-rhymes are very, very effective.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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This is a fascinating poem, mainly because I was not alive at this historic event's occurrence regarding the end of JFK's mortal life. It is always difficult to lose a beloved leader, but moreso when it comes through senseless violence. I thought these lines here helped describe how everyone felt: there was a heaviness in the air
parents pulled children closer to them
all seemed to move in slow motion
. . .if they moved at all. . .
people stared with horrified eyes
like the world had been frozen in time
they were waiting for news
And I think your last two lines with the long 'e' assonance or half-rhymes are very, very effective.
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thank you, Crystie, for reading and commenting. Linda
Comment from nancy_e_davis
This is a sad recollection of the day President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. I remember I was outside hanging out my wash when I heard someone shout as they drove by, "President Kennedy has been assassinated!" I couldn't believe my ears. I ran in the house and it was on TV. I think most of us were glued to our TV's for many day's after that. A sad day for all. Well done Linda. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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This is a sad recollection of the day President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. I remember I was outside hanging out my wash when I heard someone shout as they drove by, "President Kennedy has been assassinated!" I couldn't believe my ears. I ran in the house and it was on TV. I think most of us were glued to our TV's for many day's after that. A sad day for all. Well done Linda. Nancy:)
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thank you, Nancy. This event left a lasting impression on my heart and in my mind. Linda
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
The tragedy of that assassination will never be forgotten especially in the United States. There is still a mysterious cloud around the terrible event.
No sadder words "he is dead from a bullet to the head." Your poem covers it all so well. While reading this one cannot but think "and it's not over."
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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The tragedy of that assassination will never be forgotten especially in the United States. There is still a mysterious cloud around the terrible event.
No sadder words "he is dead from a bullet to the head." Your poem covers it all so well. While reading this one cannot but think "and it's not over."
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Thank you for your kind words and for reading. Linda
Comment from patcelaw
On that fateful day I had driven from our home to where my husband worked. He was sick that day and I went to pick up his paycheck. I learned what happened when I visited a friend.
Patricia
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2020
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On that fateful day I had driven from our home to where my husband worked. He was sick that day and I went to pick up his paycheck. I learned what happened when I visited a friend.
Patricia
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2020
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Thanks for reading, Patricia. Linda
Comment from brenda bickers
Hi Linda,
I read your author notes and understood your reasons for writing four separate verses. I had the same problem with my latest poem. This one has turned out very well. This reads like a news bulletin, where there is so much confusion no one really knows what happened or why. The last four lines sums up the situation perfectly.
Well done.
Brenda.x
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2019
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Hi Linda,
I read your author notes and understood your reasons for writing four separate verses. I had the same problem with my latest poem. This one has turned out very well. This reads like a news bulletin, where there is so much confusion no one really knows what happened or why. The last four lines sums up the situation perfectly.
Well done.
Brenda.x
Comment Written 02-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2019
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Brenda: actually, I wrote 4 separate poems on this subject. This one is the first and I will post the others within the next few days. Thanks for reading. Linda