Brave Robert
A Cautionary Tale56 total reviews
Comment from mfowler
This is a stark reminder of the times and the image of what real men do. Holding back tears is very much a male thing; more so in those days. Crying signified weakness, oh, well I remember...and this was earlier times. I found your final verse to be very sad,especially with that:his tears locked up inside.
They swamped his heart without a sound.
His eye stayed dry, but he was drowned.
The poem follows one man's/boy's journey into war and its consequences. I suspect this was written with the 100th anniversary of WW1 in mind. It feels strongly nostalgic and a little personal. Not mine to know, but it is a fine work of great sensitivty and bald-faced reality.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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This is a stark reminder of the times and the image of what real men do. Holding back tears is very much a male thing; more so in those days. Crying signified weakness, oh, well I remember...and this was earlier times. I found your final verse to be very sad,especially with that:his tears locked up inside.
They swamped his heart without a sound.
His eye stayed dry, but he was drowned.
The poem follows one man's/boy's journey into war and its consequences. I suspect this was written with the 100th anniversary of WW1 in mind. It feels strongly nostalgic and a little personal. Not mine to know, but it is a fine work of great sensitivty and bald-faced reality.
Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Many thanks for your sensitive review and comments, Mark. This poem that set out initially to be about different reasons for tears took on a more personal perspective and direction than I had in mind at the beginning.
Comment from linsbm
Robert was trained by his parents to be brave when he was young and until he became adult and joined the army of ranks. And so his foundation of being a man of brave character. And so he became so until and proven when again and again...
This is a well written poem on the subject of war. Good revelation of your retentive memory from the words and language of your write. Thanks for sharing.} Lin
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Robert was trained by his parents to be brave when he was young and until he became adult and joined the army of ranks. And so his foundation of being a man of brave character. And so he became so until and proven when again and again...
This is a well written poem on the subject of war. Good revelation of your retentive memory from the words and language of your write. Thanks for sharing.} Lin
Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Many thanks, Lin. I appreciate your review and interpretation.
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Hi Tony,
A very touching piece. And understanding the reality behind the story is all the more poignant.
No matter the country, a soldier is a soldier doing his job, and they hurt like anyone else - more so for all the horror they see on the battlefield. In the end nobody wins - and families are shattered for greed of power and money.
Lovely presentation.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'.... Jax ('/')
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Hi Tony,
A very touching piece. And understanding the reality behind the story is all the more poignant.
No matter the country, a soldier is a soldier doing his job, and they hurt like anyone else - more so for all the horror they see on the battlefield. In the end nobody wins - and families are shattered for greed of power and money.
Lovely presentation.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'.... Jax ('/')
Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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My sentiments exactly, Jax. Thanks very much for your review.
Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep
Absolutely I understand, Tony. I think many returned soldiers coped by locking away the memories of the war. To confront them was too painful, as your poem says. Beautiful rhyme and meter to this poem, Giddy
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Absolutely I understand, Tony. I think many returned soldiers coped by locking away the memories of the war. To confront them was too painful, as your poem says. Beautiful rhyme and meter to this poem, Giddy
Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Thanks for your sensitive reading and response to this poem, Giddy. Much appreciated.
Comment from paulharrington
I very much enjoyed your poem, I think you do a good job of creating a cadence and a rhythm in your work.
Thank you for letting me read it!
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reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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I very much enjoyed your poem, I think you do a good job of creating a cadence and a rhythm in your work.
Thank you for letting me read it!
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Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Thanks for reviewing, Paul. Much appreciated.
Comment from His Grayness
Wow tfawcus: what a stunning story and well presented poem that reads smoothly and captures the reader with deep curiosity. This is especially valuable as a history lesson so uncommon, yet captivatingly interesting! GREAT WORK:
Vance
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reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Wow tfawcus: what a stunning story and well presented poem that reads smoothly and captures the reader with deep curiosity. This is especially valuable as a history lesson so uncommon, yet captivatingly interesting! GREAT WORK:
Vance
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 17-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2014
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Thanks very much, Vance. I appreciate your review and your fine opinion of this poem. It means a great deal to me.