Shadows in the Dust
A tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore27 total reviews
Comment from findingmyroom
I can only imagine the thoughts and emotions that would go through someone's mind in a moment like this. You capture the grit, the horror, the very soul of the soldier who gets to leave, with all his guilt. Great job.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2009
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I can only imagine the thoughts and emotions that would go through someone's mind in a moment like this. You capture the grit, the horror, the very soul of the soldier who gets to leave, with all his guilt. Great job.
Comment Written 02-Oct-2009
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2009
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Thanks so much fmr. I can only imagine what it would be like to be in this - and other - soldier's shoes xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxo
Comment from bkrighter
Wow! This is powerful stuff. I can see why it was awarded the Seal of Quality (and congratulations, by the way). I have a cousin who is still haunted by Vietnam, the constant fear, the visions of carnage on both sides, and so much more. My feeling is that all who come back from a war zone, whether they appear traumatized or not, need to be enveloped in a womb of simplicity and peace for another nine months of healing, physical, emotional, psychic, spiritual.
Great work.
Steve
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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Wow! This is powerful stuff. I can see why it was awarded the Seal of Quality (and congratulations, by the way). I have a cousin who is still haunted by Vietnam, the constant fear, the visions of carnage on both sides, and so much more. My feeling is that all who come back from a war zone, whether they appear traumatized or not, need to be enveloped in a womb of simplicity and peace for another nine months of healing, physical, emotional, psychic, spiritual.
Great work.
Steve
Comment Written 12-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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I tend to agree with you Steve. It pains me when I think of what Vietnam Vets suffered on their return, though observing my husband's behaviour after he got back from Iraq, I feel that nine month period or so would've been good for him too. Still, he's a pragmatic fella, and copes by reminding himself he did his job to the best of his ability, and by focusing on other things.
Even still, I maintain that Vietnam was the war which killed too many men, both in body and soul, and ripped families apart. We Were Soldiers is, in my view, an extremely accurate portrayal of this war from both sides of the fence, and lends so much insight into what these poor men suffered; the Vietnamese included.
Thanks so much for your comments Steve; I appreciate them greatly and as said, agree with your suggestions on how to care for these broken souls when they return xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo
Comment from joan marie
You must have started this before I began reading you because although I was ill a lot last year I don't remember this book. Sorry I missed any of this. When the time and health permits this is definitely on my list of reads. joan marie
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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You must have started this before I began reading you because although I was ill a lot last year I don't remember this book. Sorry I missed any of this. When the time and health permits this is definitely on my list of reads. joan marie
Comment Written 12-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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Thanks so much Joan! If you do get round to reading it, I sure hope it doesn't bore or disappoint... xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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I can't possible imagine your writing being boring. I have digestive problems and the potent antibiotics are making me very tired. So not writing. Reposting and promoting up to at least page 2 for reads and opinions. Reading a few each day. But I have someone else who I have gone back and read from the beginning in a short story series so you'll be my poetry series. jm
Comment from Diny
FANDANGtastic!- hey girl congrates on the seal!- WHooo Hooo!
You deserve it- I am always amazed at your poetic talent and am so proud that you are being recognized for it!- Write ON!!!!!
DINY
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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FANDANGtastic!- hey girl congrates on the seal!- WHooo Hooo!
You deserve it- I am always amazed at your poetic talent and am so proud that you are being recognized for it!- Write ON!!!!!
DINY
Comment Written 12-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2009
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I ain't heard that one before: FANDANGTASTIC - what a bloody wonderful word!! Must remember it for future use (if you don't mind o'course!!)
Now I thank you my friend for such enthusiastic ... enthusiasm!!! Ya got me woo-hooing and all sortsa stuff, so bless you for gettin the joy juices (over)flowin!! YEE HA!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxo
Comment from Nightwind1
Our soldiers live in a very exclusive club of tortured souls. No matter how much we may sympathize with them, we can not know what they feel inside. Very well done.
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2008
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Our soldiers live in a very exclusive club of tortured souls. No matter how much we may sympathize with them, we can not know what they feel inside. Very well done.
Comment Written 18-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2008
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No, never can we. My husband is a closed book about his experiences in Iraq, and I don't try to open the cover. One day maybe, he'll talk some more, but for now he needs to deal with it any way he can. Thanks Nightwind, for your lovely comments and review xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from bard owl
Knowing that "We Were Soldiers" was a true account of Hal Moore made it all the more inspiring. As your notes said, geting back into the routine of 'life before battle' is in itself a battle with the demons of war that cause psychological scars for life. Such terrible memories haunt the souls of the soldiers who survived. This piece is excellently thoughtful. Your consistantly smooth rhythm and rhyme made it an easy read - not to mention the subject. And what a memorable title! Blessings to you, Linda
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2008
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Knowing that "We Were Soldiers" was a true account of Hal Moore made it all the more inspiring. As your notes said, geting back into the routine of 'life before battle' is in itself a battle with the demons of war that cause psychological scars for life. Such terrible memories haunt the souls of the soldiers who survived. This piece is excellently thoughtful. Your consistantly smooth rhythm and rhyme made it an easy read - not to mention the subject. And what a memorable title! Blessings to you, Linda
Comment Written 17-Oct-2008
reply by the author on 17-Oct-2008
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Thanks Linda so very much. You're the only one to have reviewed this in its re-worked state! I was starting to think I'd forgotten to take it out of preview mode! So thank you for spotting this and letting me know what you thought. Your support and beautiful comments are, as always, very much appreciated xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Nedrajean
I gave this a 5 even tho I feel you should work on stanza 3 to try to get the rhyme better - it is a little off in the 1st 2 lines. I loved your thoughts and feelings - so true. Your note is something I agree with and relate to as my spouse is a VN Vet and we have made drastic changes in our lifestyle to accomodate his PTSD - he's a real loner now. Thanks for your well-written message.
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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I gave this a 5 even tho I feel you should work on stanza 3 to try to get the rhyme better - it is a little off in the 1st 2 lines. I loved your thoughts and feelings - so true. Your note is something I agree with and relate to as my spouse is a VN Vet and we have made drastic changes in our lifestyle to accomodate his PTSD - he's a real loner now. Thanks for your well-written message.
Comment Written 26-May-2008
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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Thanks so much Nedrajean. I appreciate the rating, even regards to your thoughts about the 3rd stanza. I do see what you mean there, but I just can't re-work it without taking some of the guts away...My thoughts go out to your partner...life is not easy for returned Vets, particularly Vietnam and Korea. Thank you once again for a wonderful and helpful review! xoxoxo
Comment from Sleep
Hi alpacalady,
This is a terrific portrayal and interpretation of the horrors that you describe, supported brilliantly by the correct visual and mental images that you intend.
An excellent use of desciptive words allows the reader right into the heart of the battle, bringing with it the full force of the atrocities associated with a pointless conflict.
How very poorly we deal with all issues of war, particularly those surrounding the post conflict support for our troops, yet still these young men go forth from their families to lay down their health and lives for the sake of flag and country and sometimes not even for that much.
Both of our countries should be deeply ashamed and embarassed by the neglect of our sons.
Very well put across!
Regards as ever,
Neil.
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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Hi alpacalady,
This is a terrific portrayal and interpretation of the horrors that you describe, supported brilliantly by the correct visual and mental images that you intend.
An excellent use of desciptive words allows the reader right into the heart of the battle, bringing with it the full force of the atrocities associated with a pointless conflict.
How very poorly we deal with all issues of war, particularly those surrounding the post conflict support for our troops, yet still these young men go forth from their families to lay down their health and lives for the sake of flag and country and sometimes not even for that much.
Both of our countries should be deeply ashamed and embarassed by the neglect of our sons.
Very well put across!
Regards as ever,
Neil.
Comment Written 26-May-2008
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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Thanks so much Neil. Not only do I love your poetry, but I also love your reviews - they are constructive, supportive and sensitive. Bless you xoxoxo
Comment from SteveI
I have never been a soldier or a warrior. I do not know if I could so I certainly do not judge those that did especially since they did it for me, my family, my neighbors, my state and for the United States. I do not judge what I do not know or understand, especially when it was done for me by another man.
I feel honored when at the Barber shop I can pay for a soldiers haircut or at a restauraunt pay for his meal or just passing him stop and look him in the eyes and tell him thank you.
I always fear that some day my path will cross one of our nations greatest traitors, Jane Fonda. There is no way I can stand as a man and just do nothing or stay speechless. I hope I will not have to stay in jail too long but she will know the names of my friends who fought it Vietnam both alive and dead. She will not be given the sidewalk without me getting the bars. My friends can count upon that. I hope she grows and lives a very very long life with the hate of every American seated by her side and an escort of men in blue pants with red stripes to the gates of hell.
Steve
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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I have never been a soldier or a warrior. I do not know if I could so I certainly do not judge those that did especially since they did it for me, my family, my neighbors, my state and for the United States. I do not judge what I do not know or understand, especially when it was done for me by another man.
I feel honored when at the Barber shop I can pay for a soldiers haircut or at a restauraunt pay for his meal or just passing him stop and look him in the eyes and tell him thank you.
I always fear that some day my path will cross one of our nations greatest traitors, Jane Fonda. There is no way I can stand as a man and just do nothing or stay speechless. I hope I will not have to stay in jail too long but she will know the names of my friends who fought it Vietnam both alive and dead. She will not be given the sidewalk without me getting the bars. My friends can count upon that. I hope she grows and lives a very very long life with the hate of every American seated by her side and an escort of men in blue pants with red stripes to the gates of hell.
Steve
Comment Written 25-May-2008
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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Thanks so much Steve. Have replied in pm, but just the same, for the heck of it, thanks!! xoxoxo
Comment from JoAnna Lee
I haven't seen the movie, but your poem is excellent!!! My daughter is in the USAF. I've also known a lot of vets in my day. Even those who became successful (like my best friend Harland, WWI, 1918-2006) never forget. There are also many homeless vets... the ones who came home, but never did come back. I keep them all in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing,
Donna
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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I haven't seen the movie, but your poem is excellent!!! My daughter is in the USAF. I've also known a lot of vets in my day. Even those who became successful (like my best friend Harland, WWI, 1918-2006) never forget. There are also many homeless vets... the ones who came home, but never did come back. I keep them all in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing,
Donna
Comment Written 25-May-2008
reply by the author on 26-May-2008
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Thank you for a wonderful and heartfelt review Donna. It's great to write something, then read encouraging and supportive comments like yours. My hat is off to your daughter, and you for being a supportive mother. Bless you and yours xoxoxo