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"airman" poems
*A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Nov 19, 2015
Nov 19, 2015 at 5:17 PM UTC
The man with a crooked smile and big hands..repost for grandmas anniversary
*A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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*The man with a crooked smile and big hands A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door. She had it in the things I had clear from her room. she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Aug 31, 2015
Aug 31, 2015 at 4:20 PM UTC
The man with a crooked smile and big hands--a love story
*The man with a crooked smile and big hands A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door. She had it in the things I had clear from her room. she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Air, space, land and sea; Sailor, Corpman, Airman, Soldier, Pilot, Ranger, Medic, SEAL, or Merchant Mariner; Barbary, 1812, American Revolution, Civil, Spanish, Texan and Mexican, WWI, WWII,  Korea, Vietnam,  Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. Khaki, green, white and blue, Ship, tank, plane... all boots. Knife, pistol, bomb or rifle,  Weapon, bandage, or Bible instead, Each one’s veins filled with red. Hostage rescue, protect and shield, Capture, conquer, overcome, never yield; Freedom, heartbreak, loss and grief, Foreign, home, border, sky, Ocean, desert, mountain, plain, Water side, hillside, bedside, grave. Parent, child, father, mother, Auntie, uncle, niece or nephew, Sister, brother, spouse and lover. May your sweat on furtive brow, Rouse our tribute, take knee and bow. Buried, missing... wounded all, Respect, endure, honor, release, Forever may you rest in peace. *To each of you Who’s paid a price, With years, with limb,  With blood, with life, For each of these,  Oh, warrior ferocious, Wrapped around  A heart that’s precious; My voice it sings, Let freedom ring; My heart, it bleeds,  My eyes, they weep; My hand, it rises in salute; And my soul is filled  This day for you With pride that swells, With love that beats, A song of deepest,  Heartfelt  Gratitude!* Oh Warrior, you this day I salute!!!
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Nov 9, 2013
Nov 9, 2013 at 3:37 PM UTC
Tribute
I pray the Lord their souls to keep Make the days as short as sleep My kid, an Airman, the time is nigh Spread their wings and let them fly Save the world and protect our land In the air and on the sand Teach them skills and plant a seed To live an oath, the Airmans Creed In their blues, us parents grin Aim high, our Airmen, Fly, Fight, Win -Duane Townsend
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Apr 21, 2016
Apr 21, 2016 at 11:34 AM UTC
Air Force BMT Prayer
I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love; My country is Kiltartan Cross, My countrymen Kiltartan's poor, No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before. Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, Nor public men, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death.
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An Irish Airman Foresees His Death
I just need a way to vent, really quick Man I promise I need a little fix, I feel sick To be honest I know we're doing things for the best Yea, thats what you told me But just put my mind to rest Take a breath, and just hold me I dont want you to go But I dont want you to know Because you serving this time Will help you prosper and grow I'm just scared of the future The only thing I'm not used to But the past is the past Wouldn't go back? I refuse to So I'll just live in the moment Without you, I feel homeless I keep silently crying And all these tears got me choking Just give me your all Before you go off Promise me a week or two And not just a call
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Feb 3, 2016
Feb 3, 2016 at 12:33 PM UTC
My Little Airman
I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love; My county is Kiltartan Cross, My countrymen Kiltartan's poor, No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before. Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, Nor public men, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death.
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1.9k
An Irish Airman Forsees His Death
Burly bleak plumes roll out aloft corn Where the dragon fell post spin and ditch A wretched hulk of ruin splintered and worn Amongst endless blanch green fields which Arc with a gust and apart where he treads, Dragging his silk cape afar from flame Clueless and concussed to a near house he heads With a tattered scarf that constricts yet ***** about his mane Black fists of cloud had boomed around him as they soared His beast spat metal fire whilst the pale sky turned dull The zipping ballet of warfare smiled throughout as motors roared Gnashing its teeth and making forgotten martyrs of them all Shuddering not from demise rather conflict as a whole He is as content with death as he is to survive Just not burn the world and condemn his soul A horror; men of rule seem keen to keep alive An agrarian self-dines rancorous and crocked Half sat, improperly perched from where he was shot Monsters had come for him once before this day They took his spouse and his daughter and then took them away He can hear but does not hark to the battle aloft It is now like the rain and the trees in a gust But to the boom and the shake he stands with a cough And as he cites the invader he sees he must do what he must The grower limps out with a Chassepot in his arms As the airman’s hands reach up and he falls to his knees With beads on his brow the man pleads with met palms The crofter sees naught but a Prussian blue monster disease The pilot knows his death, ‘Ich bin nicht sicher, wo ich will gehen?” The old Frenchman just sniggers as he thinks never again With the rifle’s slug now spent and the horror sent back to his hell The farmer mumbles to himself, ‘je dois me chercher une pelle,”
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Sep 13, 2014
Sep 13, 2014 at 9:54 PM UTC
Seeds
Burly bleak plumes roll out aloft corn Where the dragon fell post spin and ditch A wretched hulk of ruin splintered and worn Amongst endless blanch green fields which Arc with a gust and apart where he treads, Dragging his silk cape afar from flame Clueless and concussed to a near house he heads With a tattered scarf that constricts yet ***** about his mane Black fists of cloud had boomed around him as they soared His beast spat metal fire whilst the pale sky turned dull The zipping ballet of warfare smiled throughout as motors roared Gnashing its teeth and making forgotten martyrs of them all Shuddering not from demise rather conflict as a whole He is as content with death as he is to survive Just not burn the world and condemn his soul A horror; men of rule seem keen to keep alive An agrarian self-dines rancorous and crocked Half sat, improperly perched from where he was shot Monsters had come for him once before this day They took his spouse and his daughter and then took them away He can hear but does not hark to the battle aloft It is now like the rain and the trees in a gust But to the boom and the shake he stands with a cough And as he cites the invader he sees he must do what he must The grower limps out with a Chassepot in his arms As the airman’s hands reach up and he falls to his knees With beads on his brow the man pleads with met palms The crofter sees naught but a Prussian blue monster disease The pilot knows his death, ‘Ich bin nicht sicher, wo ich will gehen?” The old Frenchman just sniggers as he thinks never again With the rifle’s slug now spent and the horror sent back to his hell The farmer mumbles to himself, ‘je dois me chercher une pelle,”
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*A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Oct 23, 2015
Oct 23, 2015 at 10:39 PM UTC
The man with a crooked smile and big hands
*A long long time ago Before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was  an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship and found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Carve this heroine from black polished Obsidian , begat by fire , tempered with beauty , charm .. Place her figure high above for all to see !. On a base of red Verona marble , defining strength and honor ! Surround this monument with honeysuckle and gardenia alongside a bench made of granite so that the weary may rest beneath her , cloaked in the reflected light of liberty and abiding love for country ! On watch for all eternity .....
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Oct 13, 2015
Oct 13, 2015 at 11:37 AM UTC
Senior Airman Kcey Ruiz
*A long long time ago way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the american airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. working alongside each other in the dark. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship. And found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note in his handwriting held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. But I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands. And also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I cleared out grandmas house the other day. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she kept it in her souvenir box.. she had passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. So follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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Jan 15, 2016
Jan 15, 2016 at 3:57 PM UTC
The man with a crooked smile and big hands....repost cos its grandmas birthday
*A long long time ago way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the american airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. working alongside each other in the dark. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship. And found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note in his handwriting held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. But I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands. And also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I cleared out grandmas house the other day. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she kept it in her souvenir box.. she had passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. So follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you.*
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I've got that feeling once again, After staying up til 3 A.M, When insecurities start to creep, And I curse myself for lack of sleep. It seems I have no way of knowing, Which way my thought process is going, One day I'm happy, the next I'm glum, And console myself with smoke and *** I try to find a compromise- Get blasted drunk, and close my eyes, But the world keeps spinning round and round, Bottle's empty- no peace found. Like the Irish airman in the sky, I seem to watch as other lives flash by, Then I pass out, hoping I'll never know, The places those tormented souls must go.
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Apr 4, 2016
Apr 4, 2016 at 10:27 PM UTC
More Thoughts At 3 A.M
We were once just kids With big hopes and big dreams and freckled faces in summer streams We were once just kids Making out on your bedroom floor, with no idea of what was to come anymore We were once just kids That skipped school to spend more time together and huddled up in the colder weather We were once just kids That snuck out past curfew so that we could dance in the rain, and that was our virtue We were once just kids That rode bikes around town and helped each other up whenever one of us would fall down We were once just kids But we are no longer, that's clear From the day that you left, you told me "Our life starts here" We were once just kids But now you're a man in a uniform And I'm his soon-to-be wife With just our memories to keep me warm We are no longer kids You have our country to serve for now, And I have letters every night to send out We are no longer kids And we have cares and we have worries and we have things to complain about But we still have each other and that's the one thing that ever counts We were once just kids But now we're grown and our life began And I'm still hopelessly in love with you, My United States Airman.
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Jan 2, 2018
Jan 2, 2018 at 2:08 AM UTC
we were once just kids
*The man with a crooked smile and big hands A long long time ago way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the american airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. working alongside each other in the dark. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship. And found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note in his handwriting held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. But I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands. And also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I cleared out grandmas house the other day. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she kept it in her souvenir box.. she had passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. So follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you. I miss you Darling love Jude*
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Feb 15, 2016
Feb 15, 2016 at 9:43 PM UTC
The man with a crooked smile and big hands
*The man with a crooked smile and big hands A long long time ago way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war.. He was a bit of a pacifist live and let live was his way. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country on his belly lay on the planes belly. At the american airbase in the UK he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing fixer and developer. working alongside each other in the dark. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a darkroom by hand when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship. And found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him and she accepted. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note in his handwriting held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. But I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands. And also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I cleared out grandmas house the other day. I found grandmas note that was pinned on the darkroom door she kept it in her souvenir box.. she had passed a way a few weeks ago. And I was moved to tell this story. So follow the light Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands hes waiting for you. I miss you Darling love Jude*
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One is the glider, And one is the gust, And the cliff is the question: Trust land or trust ****** It depends on the wind, And the wings, And the rider: Not their skill; But their union - One was built for the other. But if the plane was built wrong - Built wrong for the breeze - (For the breeze it was built for!) Then here's our message for the air: For the love of your nature, Give the glider to the sea! Let canvas rip on water's flame, And writhing currents cut And fracture frame. For you were conjured to fly higher; And the pilot isn't fooled; The pilot's watching other lovers As they escape into the sun! Grateful to be in flight, But always with an eye To greater, warmer height... We know it's hard to let them fall, For an airman dropped amongst the waves Is left to die or swim to shore, And if they make it to the beach, You know the tattered remnants Of their aircraft's waiting there, Waiting to be built renewed Built stronger on a memory Of the time they flew on you But let them fall You must or you die For the waters are coming And also: Death can fly.
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Jun 22, 2017
Jun 22, 2017 at 1:58 PM UTC
Romance as an Aeroplane
A birdwatcher A bus driver A golfer An airman A man With strong hands and a firm heart And “the nosiest man alive” According to his wife A great-grandfather A grandfather A father A friend With unconditional compassion for all Remembered by everyone who encountered him The truest example of love and kindness Now, may his legacy live on through the hearts he changed For his soul is now at peace.
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Feb 8, 2016
Feb 8, 2016 at 10:32 PM UTC
Papa
I spent hours walking, trying to thumb a lift, no one stopped. Near Slough, I caught the last bus going in my direction- at least it gave my feet a break- but not for long. In the early hours, near Marlborough I saw a car approaching, it's headlights cutting through the darkness along the otherwise unlit road. It was two o 'clock in the morning and  my weary spirits rose as the car came to a halt beside me. It was a Police car! The two policemen questioned me, checked my twelve fifty, (identity card) rummaged through my belongings and then drove off, leaving me to continue alone in total darkness. At six thirty in the morning a motor cycle roared up and stopped beside me. He wore an airman's greatcoat! "Where are you heading for mate." "Innsworth I replied hopefully. "Me too, jump on if you want!" I did want, desperately! I arrived on camp twenty minutes late at eight twenty,  They were nearly finished kitting out, I just made it in time. "Where were you when I called the C's.?" The sergeant asked. " I could have been in the loo" I didn't sound too convincing but he let it go. "Take off your blue uniform and put this on, then bring your blues back here." I was looking at tropical kit. "There must be some mistake. I am going to the second TAF in Germany."  (The Second Tactical Air force.) The sergeant grinned. "You and six hundred others, you can get sorted out when you get there." I did what I was told and changed my clothes, and handed in my blues. There was quite a buzz in the accommodation block, Harry came to meet me. "What a monumental cockup! Harry said grinning. It must be ****** hot in Germany, that's all I can say! I spent the rest of the day resting my blistered feet, we were flying out tomorrow. I expected to fly from RAF Lyneham,  in a Dehavilland Comet but I should have known better, life was never that simple! To be continued.
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Jun 15, 2014
Jun 15, 2014 at 7:48 AM UTC
Maralinga cont. part three.
I spent hours walking, trying to thumb a lift, no one stopped. Near Slough, I caught the last bus going in my direction- at least it gave my feet a break- but not for long. In the early hours, near Marlborough I saw a car approaching, it's headlights cutting through the darkness along the otherwise unlit road. It was two o 'clock in the morning and  my weary spirits rose as the car came to a halt beside me. It was a Police car! The two policemen questioned me, checked my twelve fifty, (identity card) rummaged through my belongings and then drove off, leaving me to continue alone in total darkness. At six thirty in the morning a motor cycle roared up and stopped beside me. He wore an airman's greatcoat! "Where are you heading for mate." "Innsworth I replied hopefully. "Me too, jump on if you want!" I did want, desperately! I arrived on camp twenty minutes late at eight twenty,  They were nearly finished kitting out, I just made it in time. "Where were you when I called the C's.?" The sergeant asked. " I could have been in the loo" I didn't sound too convincing but he let it go. "Take off your blue uniform and put this on, then bring your blues back here." I was looking at tropical kit. "There must be some mistake. I am going to the second TAF in Germany."  (The Second Tactical Air force.) The sergeant grinned. "You and six hundred others, you can get sorted out when you get there." I did what I was told and changed my clothes, and handed in my blues. There was quite a buzz in the accommodation block, Harry came to meet me. "What a monumental cockup! Harry said grinning. It must be ****** hot in Germany, that's all I can say! I spent the rest of the day resting my blistered feet, we were flying out tomorrow. I expected to fly from RAF Lyneham,  in a Dehavilland Comet but I should have known better, life was never that simple! To be continued.
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But where do you weep When somebody you love dies To the Earth or sky?
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Jun 13, 2018
Jun 13, 2018 at 10:57 AM UTC
In Memory of Airman Shannon Purcell
An Irish Airman foresees his Death I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love; My country is Kiltartan Cross, My countrymen Kiltartan’s poor, No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before. Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, Nor public men, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death.
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Jun 19, 2015
Jun 19, 2015 at 11:53 AM UTC
William Butler Yeats
Night raids on Salt End were legendary… It were a giant chemical works with ship docks, silos, storage tanks, fuel dumps, an ideal 'drop off point' for Gerry… But Salt End plant’s night raids on Hedon Road weren’t gonna daunt our lot, they lived a mile or so down the lane to Preston and seemed unafraid of gerri’n shot. But they built a shelter across’t main road in a field… On the outside It were a haystack within the walls, six foot thick… proper beds on hay bails to the front and back... cosy. Down the middle was a ‘lounge’ with chairs, lights, a radio - electric run from’t big ‘ouse It’s better than being at’ome our Charlie used to say For the eldest (and the architect) he’d not much nowse. Me mam (then 19) told me she bussed it into Hull ****** the Doodlebugs” She needed Jitterbugs… and they still danced at City Hall. ******** to Gerry and his mates. Margie & her pal René, dauntless, they had a right ball! Last Bus to ‘Withernsea’ from town dropped her off at the junction by the Speedway on Hedon Road. Just as her way was lit by fire bombs - all about when Gerry dropped his final unaimed load Maybe ack-ack’d sort him out. She was 2 miles from home… every few seconds another blast. Scuttling …dodging whistling incendiaries, running fast, whippet like… any second could’ve been her last anything too close she’d have to jump in't **** She couldn’t mek it t’t shelter or house so picked the coal shed - instead… threw herself down on coals…noise lifted - silence dawned… all clear heavy breathing - not hers -  she wan’t alone What if it’s one of them - a downed ***** airman. Nervous, terrified more like she let out a little shudder a gentle cough… to test her nerve “Is that you Margie?… You daft ****** It were brother Tom… He’d been t’t Nags Head and he’d run the opposite way from the village instead.
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Sep 7, 2021
Sep 7, 2021 at 12:25 PM UTC
Doodlebugs & Jitterbugs
Night raids on Salt End were legendary… It were a giant chemical works with ship docks, silos, storage tanks, fuel dumps, an ideal 'drop off point' for Gerry… But Salt End plant’s night raids on Hedon Road weren’t gonna daunt our lot, they lived a mile or so down the lane to Preston and seemed unafraid of gerri’n shot. But they built a shelter across’t main road in a field… On the outside It were a haystack within the walls, six foot thick… proper beds on hay bails to the front and back... cosy. Down the middle was a ‘lounge’ with chairs, lights, a radio - electric run from’t big ‘ouse It’s better than being at’ome our Charlie used to say For the eldest (and the architect) he’d not much nowse. Me mam (then 19) told me she bussed it into Hull ****** the Doodlebugs” She needed Jitterbugs… and they still danced at City Hall. ******** to Gerry and his mates. Margie & her pal René, dauntless, they had a right ball! Last Bus to ‘Withernsea’ from town dropped her off at the junction by the Speedway on Hedon Road. Just as her way was lit by fire bombs - all about when Gerry dropped his final unaimed load Maybe ack-ack’d sort him out. She was 2 miles from home… every few seconds another blast. Scuttling …dodging whistling incendiaries, running fast, whippet like… any second could’ve been her last anything too close she’d have to jump in't **** She couldn’t mek it t’t shelter or house so picked the coal shed - instead… threw herself down on coals…noise lifted - silence dawned… all clear heavy breathing - not hers -  she wan’t alone What if it’s one of them - a downed ***** airman. Nervous, terrified more like she let out a little shudder a gentle cough… to test her nerve “Is that you Margie?… You daft ****** It were brother Tom… He’d been t’t Nags Head and he’d run the opposite way from the village instead.
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The big man with a crooked smile and big hands By jude kyrie A long long time ago Way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war..or any war. In fact he was a bit of a pacifist. live and let live was his way. The only trigger he ever pulled Was on his beloved camera. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country From the air Lay upon his belly and on the planes belly. Back at the American airbase Deep in the quaint UK country village. he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He always had a faint odor of fixer and developer chemicals. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing the fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a big darkroom by his own hands. when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship to save money. He found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him. Kneeling on one knee at her cottage doorway. Holding a small bunch of flowers that looked even tinier in his huge hand. and she accepted his proposal and married him. At the old stone church in her village. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I received a late phone call the other day Grandma passed away peacefully in her sleep. She left her small apartment to me. As I sorted through her belongings I found the note that grandpa pinned on the darkroom door When she married him. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light once more Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands he's waiting for you.
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Jul 23, 2018
Jul 23, 2018 at 10:17 PM UTC
THE BIG MAN WITH BIG HANDS AND A CROOKED SMILE
The big man with a crooked smile and big hands By jude kyrie A long long time ago Way before digital took over the planet. My grandfather was an airman in WW2. He never dropped a single bomb or even fired a weapon in that war..or any war. In fact he was a bit of a pacifist. live and let live was his way. The only trigger he ever pulled Was on his beloved camera. Instead he aimed camera lenses at the Germans snapping their country From the air Lay upon his belly and on the planes belly. Back at the American airbase Deep in the quaint UK country village. he printed his photographs. enough to cover an airfield. He always had a faint odor of fixer and developer chemicals. He met an English lady in the darkroom. They printed their photographs together mixing the fixer and developer. She got used to his crooked smile and big hands He got used to her being there. When the war ended he returned to the states and opened a camera and photography shop. He built a big darkroom by his own hands. when it was finished he went back to England on a cargo ship to save money. He found the lady from in the darkroom. he asked her to marry him. Kneeling on one knee at her cottage doorway. Holding a small bunch of flowers that looked even tinier in his huge hand. and she accepted his proposal and married him. At the old stone church in her village. when they returned to New York he showed her the darkroom he built for them. On the door was a note held by a thumbtack It said I fell in love with you in the dark. but I want you to follow the light with me for the rest of our lives. A year later my dad was born with a crooked smile and big hands and also his love of photography. He had the eye for color and shadow and light. After I was born I did not follow the love of photography. But would get into trouble at school for writing poems in the margins of my work books. I received a late phone call the other day Grandma passed away peacefully in her sleep. She left her small apartment to me. As I sorted through her belongings I found the note that grandpa pinned on the darkroom door When she married him. And I was moved to tell this story. Follow the light once more Grandma love. look for a big man with a crooked smile and big hands he's waiting for you.
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Letters in Wartime Words on paper Nothing more Telling the story of a soldier Or airman or sailor Letters from the front Sent home To a sweetheart Or family First read by the censor Telling of longing to see you And hardship in battle Seen thru with determination And a love of country Fighting for them The loved ones Far from where He is stationed Saying about his mates Some who he misses Killed in combat Or worse still Missing In Action Maybe the Red Cross Will locate them All this told By words on paper Stay safe at home I know the Blitz is hell But we give it Back to the *** Avoid the talking About sensitive things For walls have ears And aid the enemy Follow the blackout I send my love And will write soon Next time sending my photo Till then my dear Keep the fires burning We protect our country With untold valour We will win This awful war Later my love
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Oct 15, 2018
Oct 15, 2018 at 9:14 AM UTC
Letters in Wartime
Camouflaged Caskets Best of a generation first to shout with passion, didn't stand idle ready to march to battle Cemeteries more famous than the quarrel, become markers for its members Personal diary lost in history, now next in line of people mixed in raw data Mausoleum, crematorium even more buried at sea, just a mark on a map where they take their final nap, they lie alone in that zone whether airman soldier's or sailor's Hearse did roll so silent , not a hint of anything violent, Tears flowing have a universal language, sounds like rain marking pain, form a storm covered by dark clouds Paths of life mixed in strife, roads paved with headstones sealed with blood, marched on by friend or foe, they become a still frame in someone's mind Real lives in disguise, their destiny not discreet, many tags moving, dog tags on top, toe tags on bottom, So many wars largest given numbers Disturbing ritual never ending vigil, Final decision a true gamble, no trial it is final, certificate for family's wall is all that is signed, do those crosses stand as symbols Who will know in the end what was right, under the scope does their life bring hope, does the death bring Peace with honor, are they now a new generations instructors Does dirt disguise their demise, death mask worn like a fashionable veil, flag on a casket worn as a shroud hides a soul's pride, connects all cultures takes all comers, final march guided by deaths Angels. R.C
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May 30, 2022
May 30, 2022 at 6:17 AM UTC
Camouflaged Caskets
She Defeated Death She should have left the city when the chance was there. Before the Nazis came, closing the noose. She has so many regrets, except on her actions. Now she's at the wall,... the reasons crystal clear to her. Some things are priceless, unique. Like you my dear, now against the wall. Your dark brown locks hang by your shoulders, your pretty eyes scan the heavens, still defiant. Your lovely beautiful face stern. With death bearing down upon you, victory is yours. Crack go the rifles. Your ****** witnessed by the shot down RAF airman. You, the heroine, when the others were silent. Imagine your legacy and what you stand for fifty years from now. That matters. Though I don't know your name, I remember you and what you died for. (dedicated to an unnamed woman that a shot down RAF airman saw executed by the Nazis) out of our new book... Europa – in the dark valley between the world wars Out of the total darkness came a light brighter than infinite suns... Poetry on women (and men) in conflict Nick Armbrister And Andy N
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Feb 6, 2018
Feb 6, 2018 at 5:42 PM UTC
She Defeated Death