#usmc
I had the unfortunate privilege of participating in a war
As an immediate life experience
This afforded me the luxury of indifference
While eliminating the sanguine notion of naiveté
Bravo 6 once told me - the only easy day was yesterday
Existing in a constant state of crisis justifies our history of violence
Collectively vindicates informed decisions to use lethal force without tolerance
License to search and destroy hostiles with extreme prejudice
Collateral damage merely an unfortunate expenditure of doing business
This is the merely the price of war
The cost is the bones and broken lives we leave behind as just-cause
When we are redeployed to kick down someone else’s door
Eventually in time, all these sins will follow us home
And war will make corpse of us all
Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025 at 7:34 AM UTC
Whirling of blades, clouds of dust
Screaming, suffering, litters of men
Crimson covered deck
Water of red flushing
Rinsing away the horrors of man
His uniform is ***** and wreaks
Dirt that isn’t dirt
He stumbles into the showers
Dazed in a trance, shock
Dropping his rifle, pistol falling to the ground
Standing under the cold rain
Dust and dirt, wash away
Water of crimson
Mud that isn’t mud
Guilt so heavy, he cannot breathe
Death all around him,
Yet he lives Why?
Brothers and sisters, gone
Yet he remains, why?
Guilt overwhelming
Pain, searing pain.
Yet he lives.
Unworthy, full of guilt
Crumped in the shower
Unworthy
He weeps for the fallen
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM UTC
The cadence of the drill sergeant, a ghost in the present,
echoes in the rhythm of my pen.
Discipline forged in the crucible of steel,
now fuels the fire of my art.
The enemy then, the fear, the loss,
a distant memory, yet the weight of loyalty remains.
My love, an artist, paints with colors I cannot name,
capturing the essence of the soul,
a symphony of emotions, a dance of light and shadow.
She is the muse, the inspiration,
the reason this heart still beats with a fierce, protective rhythm.
The scars run deep, both physical and unseen,
reminders of battles fought and won.
But the greatest battle, the one that truly matters,
is the fight for her, for our love.
This fragile, precious bloom,
deserves the fiercest protection.
The Marine within, dormant yet ever-present,
would rise, a silent guardian,
against any threat, any darkness that dares to touch her.
His loyalty, once sworn to the Corps,
now belongs to her,
a love that transcends all boundaries.
In the quiet moments, when the world fades away,
I see her eyes, reflecting the stars,
a universe of emotions, a love that knows no bounds.
And in that reflection, I find my strength,
a renewed sense of purpose,
a love that would die for her, a thousand times over.
The poet and the Marine, two sides of the same coin,
bound by a love that defies definition.
A love that heals, that inspires,
that gives life new meaning.
And in that love, I find my peace,
a solace that surpasses all understanding.
Jan 24, 2025
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:48 PM UTC
In memory of the fallen heroes, I stand
A US Marine who bore witness to war's hand
Bravery and sacrifice, are etched in my mind
As I carry the weight of the ones left behind
Medals shine brightly on my chest
But they feel heavy, a constant test
For I did not earn them, not truly
The real heroes are gone, so unruly
Gallantry, Valor, Honor, Hero
These words now feel so hollow
For it was my brothers who truly deserved
To be honored, respected, and preserved
I fought in battles afar, and I survived
While they lay on the battlefield, deprived
Of the chance to come back home
To their families, where they truly belong
I am unworthy of these accolades
For I live, while they lie in their graves
Their memory lives on in my heart
As I carry their legacy, I am never apart
So here lies a US Marine
Proud to have served, yet still unseen
For the real heroes are the ones who fell
Amid the battle, where they dwelled
Rest in peace, my brothers in arms
For you are the true heroes, with all your charms
I will never forget the sacrifices you made
And I will honor you, until my final day.
Jan 23, 2025
Jan 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM UTC
I grew out my beard.
I grew out my stomach.
My ears ring randomly.
My eyes see things differently.
I speak or say less. I move in silence.
I sleep in when I want.
I haven't touched razors since my return
nor rifles since the field ops.
I've grown in maturity mentally.
I've grown insensitive verbally.
I've grown to miss the uniform
and pride of belonging in a brotherhood;
I miss my extended family.
I miss the people, not the troubles.
I miss the gym, where others alike
flexed invisible muscles.
My days once had routine,
pattern, structure and rhythm.
Weekends full of workouts, worship, and beer.
Weeks full of work, blood, sweat, and tears.
I've grown in experience.
I've regained freedom as a civilian.
But the transition has been a grueling process.
Yet, I've grown to be grateful nonetheless,
as not everyone gets to go back "home" ...
(remember the fallen) ...
However, if I'm honest, I don't think there's ever
an actual adjustment...
[I'm growing]
Dec 29, 2018
Dec 29, 2018 at 9:55 AM UTC
Whenever I'm in pain
I just whisper
"I'm a Marine I'm a Marine I'm a Marine"
Because Marines are the strongest
The first to fight
The few, the proud
I can't wait until I claim the title
And live up to my name
But before that, I believe
I am a Marine
And the pain always lessens
Feb 6, 2016
Feb 6, 2016 at 6:26 PM UTC
How can a non-believer
suddenly believe in the power?
Be the man behind a trigger
covered in carbon powder
How can a non-believer
suddenly believe in ghosts?
Be the man behind the rifle
as any threat approached
How can a non-believer
suddenly believe there's hope?
When those we hold close
Tie a rope around their throat
to meet a suicide quota
How can a non-believer
suddenly believe in himself?
Be the bigger and better man
unafraid to ask for help
Feb 4, 2016
Feb 4, 2016 at 8:02 PM UTC
Sometimes I need to write
to keep my mind at ease
If I don't, my hands get shaky
like the last leaf on the tree
Marksmanship is not necessary
when shooting the breeze
Daydreaming until reality
is just an illusion to me
Sometimes I need to write
to keep me level and grounded
If I don't, I start hearing voices
Then my head gets crowded
I follow the lead
whoever is the loudest
United States of Jeff
Population is countless
Sometimes I need to write
to mind my own business
If I don't, my body starts twitching
Swinging on anyone
within one arms distance
Please pray every day
we never cross those bridges
For those that won't listen
a fair warning was written
Jan 21, 2016
Jan 21, 2016 at 1:15 PM UTC
Sometimes the flashbacks
Can be picture perfect like a gallery
Every once in a while
I struggle with what life's like actually
As the memories resonate
Depression eventually catches me
It always baffled me
and still rattles me
Why did my best friend
have to be a casualty
I'm setting my GPS
as I pull down the street
For Arlington Cemetery
in Washington D.C.
Whenever I feel the need
I just sit there with him
No reason to speak
I let the ground beneath me
relieve some of the grief
Then just before I leave
I about face and say
You'll always be with me
Semper Fi my brother
Rest in peace Marine
Jan 16, 2016
Jan 16, 2016 at 11:03 PM UTC
Four Marines lost their lives to what is being called domestic terrorism.
Some sicko with a gun shoots these guys. One of the dead is just 19 years old.
I did not cry because I was sad that four American men lost their lives to violence.
I cried because for the first time, I'm so glad that you're in Japan, so glad that you're so far away.
I'm so glad you're alive.
Jul 18, 2015
Jul 18, 2015 at 12:37 AM UTC
Your eyes like the ocean, like the waves, like the sky, like a nice blue sports car. Things that are beautiful in passing, but are dangerous up close.
Danger. Loving you was danger.
You set me on fire, burning my body, burning through my brain. Passionate fire, then hot fire, then holy **** I'm actually hurt fire. I still have the scars.
What I'm left with is dark and empty, unable to love another. Whispers on wind of what we used to be, secrets. I wasn't made to be a ***** little secret. I'm not your ***** little secret.
I loved you. All consuming love. Love like only a 17 year old knows. Love like only an 18 year old can hold. Love like only a 19 year old can endure. Love like only a 20 year old can let go.
I used to be sick over it. I used to wait for it. And now I've let go of it. Rain from the gray skies that are so like your eyes in the dark. Rain washes away everything I've remembered.
May 22, 2015
May 22, 2015 at 10:42 AM UTC
Staff Sgt. Joseph D'Augustine
a proud Jersey son
whom Thou hast blessed
laid in St. Luke’s ground
for his heavenly rest
April 4, 2012
1.
in a far off province of
God forsaken Helmand,
our dear son Joey
met his untimely end
an explosive crack
a most terrible sound
felled a beloved Jersey son
to the cold cruel ground
working the live wires
of a well placed IED
a deathly burst killed him
it was awful to see
Staff Sgt. Joseph D’Augustine
in solemn duty fell
fellow brothers in arms
will forever reverently tell
of courage and character
of a dear fallen friend
and how the valiant warrior
met with death at his end
for he was always faithful
to his beloved corps
comrades couldn't ask
a valiant marine for more
2.
details of his death
are not the real story
selflessness and bravery
are but part of his glory
is it brash to
question why he fell?
in a useless bitter war
an embroiled senseless hell
a generation mustered
to fight in the war on terror
serving four tours of duty
in a lost decade of errors
two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq
could a nation ask a man for more?
for he was always faithful to the call
upholding pledges he hath sworn
3.
the burden of war
to a few confined
it rarely crosses
an American’s mind
incessant war machine
drones on apace
the horror of conflict
so cleverly displaced
with afternoon baseball
and super bowl parties
big disco paychecks
and other selfish priorities
pay hollow tribute
to dear weary troops
when valor is mentioned
we gather in groups
we’ll raise the flag
sing stirring anthems
than its back to the party
pay it no more attention
self styled patriots
wave handfuls of flags
but ask them to contribute
the zeal soon lags
its left to the few
to shoulder burdens of many
fairness is lost
its a democratic calamity
four tours in a decade
an inhumane task
burdens require sharing
its only fair to ask
Joey was always faithful
to the task at hand
willing to step forward
to serve his homeland
4.
in the wake of 9/11
a nation deeply shaken
young patriots stirred
liberty’s call not forsaken
a call to serve answered
to quell the rise of terror
a clear clarion alarm
marks the nature of the era
Joey boldly came forward
to train and learn
the art of warriors
his bright patriotism burned
deployed to Afghanistan
to capture Osama
routing the Taliban
without much problem
but a pacified Afghan
not enough for Bush
he invaded Iraq
another military push
we rolled into Baghdad
adorned with victors garlands
Saddam’s statue toppled
our troops were honored
deposing a dictators
soon turned to occupation
a ****** mission transformed
to build the Iraqi and Afghan nations
once honored liberators
now a conquering force
bestriding broken nations
on a civil war course
military industrialists
stood to profit most
sweet protracted conflict
record earnings to boast
lives bartered for lucre
a region held hostage
the conflict deepened
hostilities hardened
America dipped into
a great recession
the war machine
bled money and
kept on ticking
scooping up contracts
rewarding investors
the dividends of war
heaven sent treasure
continuation of hostilities
preys on a nation's youth
as casualties mount
ill portents forsoothed
a fraction of citizens
bare heartaches of war
gulping measures of despair
to guard a nations door
a nation always faithful
to the holy pursuit of profit
a highest citizens calling
put money into your pocket
5.
our beloved Jersey son
gave a full measure of devotion
in dress blues they shipped him
back across the ocean
on the Dover tarmac
they received his remains
for a last ride northward
to his hometown terrain
repatriated body
bereft of soul saluted
solemn escort knelt
hearts trembled, tears muted
a hearse for a gallant man
flanked by state troop cruisers
to escort the funeral train
assure an honored movement
one last trip up
old thunder road
the storied highway
Joey often trod
the last detail legged up 17
reverent firefighters saluted
from overpasses
to honor the woeful scene
as the motorcade passed
the Garden State Malls
frenzied consumers
failed to notice at all
busy window shoppers
didn't to turn an eye
as Joey rolled home
to the sweet by and by
vets interred at the
Old Paramus Church
gently stirred in their graves
reasons for war they search
Channel 12 Chopper
circled its eye in the sky
televised the sad parade
captured many teary eyes
the early spring blooms
colorful petals displayed
maples and forsythias
a royal carpet laid
spring remains always faithful
as the new season turns
offer sunshine and glory
as our sinking hearts burn
6.
motorcycle escort
northbound lane clear
rolling homeward
Waldwick was near
leaves exploding
green shoots budding
****** white maple blooms
natures accolades stunning
the oaks yet bare
just waking from slumber
winters death passing
a sad day put asunder
the motorcade passed
Joey’s home on Prospect Ave
few envision lifes endings
this woefully sad
red chevy pickup idles
in hoop crowned driveway
never to drain jumpers again
departed children can’t play
the eye in the sky
framed neighbors in mourning
welcoming back a fallen hero
unsettled emotions dawning
neighbors waved Old Glory
from painted stoops and curbs
unsure how this tragedy
visits this blessed suburb
green grass of home
always flush with spirit
tears welled in the eyes
most difficult to bear it
last cruise of the town
sad neighbors stand witness
paying final due respects
and ponder from a distance
what purpose is served
by this man’s passing?
the dead cannot speak
rationale is for the living
the terrible herse
death circles our town
moves through our day
hope of spring drowned
murderer of sunshine
killer of young flowers
budding trees breaking
our hearts an ashen pallor
we remember the beauty
of Joey’s stout face
as it looked on your finest day
exuding pure honor and grace
old vets gather
donning caps and pins
boasting semper fi jackets
jutting tear dripping chins
shaking hands, giving hugs
bearing tattered banners
the hearse ambles onward
we head home in solemn manner
good folks are always faithful
where beloved ones grew
the death of our children
we sadly cannot undo
7.
the bells of St. Lukes
called out from the sky
platoons of limping vets
marched in with pride
pomp and circumstance
requisite dress blues
family, friends, townsfolk
overflowed the pews
doleful bells resound
tolling a mournful reckon
the cost of war mounts
a family’s loss beckons
the casualties of war
falls upon a nation's youth
a seasons page not turned
a flowing wound not soothed
the wistful cornet calling
floats on the fluted air
the bereaved ***** gently sounds
a congregations somber despair
an unsettling dirge
the parish grows uneasy
nationalist bravado wanes
in the forlorn sanctuary
both church and flag
draped in colors of war
mock stain glass windows
communicants adore
is it a betrayal of the flag
to offer enemies
psalms of reconciliation?
where does true loyalty lay
with God or a warring nation?
afterall this is a sanctuary
where peace and harmony reigns
are we not called to beat swords
into ploughshares as the highest
calling of our Lord?
we are always faithful
to the pathways to war
when the practice of peace
is what we should adore
8.
coughing and whispers
incessant low murmur
a baby cries out
we sit and remember
the crucifers process
in solemnity to greet
subtle ***** notes salute
a coffin draped in Old Glory sheets
the beloved child welcomed
to his eternal repose
priests splash holy water
within the sacred dome
an amazing grace revealed
lifted by marine pallbearers
dearly departed body presented
gently placed at the altar
a grief struck sister
lovingly eulogizes
recalls tonka trucks,
GI Joe’s and cool transformers
a punch in the nose
an approaching wedding
beckoning Eastertide
vacation plans left begging
my second grade class sent
Christmas cookies and cards
to dear Joey and warrior friends
he said it warmed stark winter hearts
he was raised in this church
taught trust and reconciliation
the comfort of the Lords peace
may it surely go with him
for he was always faithful
to sisters, family and faith
his resurrection service
imbues sacredness
to this space
9.
sharp in dress blues
Eddie T USMC Gunny
big 50 caliber smile
offers his eulogy
Bada Bing Jersey Humvee
we called him Joey Calzones
good mood, loved sausages
he tickled the funny bone
always willing to sacrifice
loved the Patriots Tom Brady
a women dominated household
gave him a way with the ladies
his calling explosive ordinances
he said he was livin the dream
March 6th last time we met
knocking frost off cold ones
man whatta scream
a gallant marine,
beloved brother,
a sure friend
he was always faithful
I’m deeply wounded
by his untimely end
10.
the gospel read
the homily offered
Ecclesiastes wisdom
a time for everything
proffered
God never turns
an eye from the beloved
though seasons change
we are not forsaken
never unloved
as loss arrives
surely grief grows
turn away not
wisdom knows
in resignation
love lay dead
diligent intention
banishes dread
our rekindled hope
we rend and sow
our beloved Joey
knew this was so
our favorite son’s
example taught us
now rises on eagle’s wings
to claim his divine justice
Jesus faithfully tramped
the path to an awful death
Joey too fought the good fight
a warrior now gratefully at rest
The Lord holds him close
to the ***** of sure love
a cantors beatific voice incants
Joey’s spirit that forever enchants
The Lord is always faithful
to the bereaved and beloved
no one ever forsaken
all unconditionally loved
11.
the Holy Eucharistic cup
affirms everlasting giving
tasted to nourish evermore
a libation for the living
singing the Beatitudes
praising peace makers
mercy filled voice and song
pallbearers lift Joey’s coffin
off to seek his final peace
an earthly occupation ended
he’ll suffer worldly hate no more
down the aisle his coffin wended
the family closely followed
a mother haltingly sobbing
faithful marines came forth
to steady her wobbling
there is no sudden waking
from this terrible dream
the pungent incense rose
to the chapels sacred beams
the stained glass murals depict
the passion of Jesus’s story
illuming a consuming sorrow
in all its grace filled glory
the ***** of death slinks on again
we search for consolation
the recompense of honor blest
leaves a hollow heart wanting
no answers offered to quell the dark
of these terrible life’s moments
only the desperate need to hold onto
beleaguered treasure that sustains us
for we are always faithful
to the things we know
always faithful to the
things we refuse to let go
12.
the color guard and funeral detail
assembled in front of St. Luke’s
the cemetery right next door
the procession a short troop
the living will stumble through
the darkness of separation
seeking elusive answers
of poignant uncertainty;
all gave some, Joey gave all
nothing more required for his
journey through eternity
Joey will always be with us
his stories forever retold
as long as the machinery of
great nations engage
the gears of wasteful war
Joey’s spirit lives
in a peoples desire
for freedom, only if
our hope of peace
is greater than the
need for conflict
Joey’s lifes work
is sure to bear fruit
if those remaining
fight the good fight
by taking up the
task to protect and
expand the values
of liberty we
hold most dear
like our good
friend Jesus
Joey wears a crown
bejeweled with
a ring of thorns
hoisted on a
terrible cross
the sweet
incense of you
meets our nose
we inhale your
earthly presence
beholding beautifully
adorned crucifix,
a reminder of
unjust persecution
and a perfect
resurrection
yet this wretched
coffin remains
pledging allegiance
we rationalize our
stories, articulating
our small parts
in heroic sagas,
reciting myths of
ourselves, recording
the grim history of
a young marine
surrounded by
a smart color guard,
feasting on todays
eucharist, this
days sweet taste
of the daily bread
of human sorrow
The priest finishes
his graveside
commendation
of Joey D
Taps conclude
a wind rises
crows take flight
winging over
a stand of budding
Sugar Maples
exploding in white
blooms, reveling
in the glorious
sunshine of this
magnificent day
St. Luke’s stairway to
God Country and Home
smiling portrait of you
forever young
we surround your grave
to bless the earth
you've returned home
to your place of birth
our flowing pride
and salty tears bless
the anointed ground
that you loved best
a proud Jersey son
whom Thou hast blest
laid in St. Luke’s ground
for his heavenly rest
for he was always faithful
to the blessed land
forever at peace
in the soils sure hands
Charles Ives
The Unanswered Question
Oakland
11/10/13
jbm
Nov 10, 2013
Nov 10, 2013 at 9:20 AM UTC