Janet Rattay

WHAT IWVPA MEANS TO ME

IWVPA - International War Veterans Poetry ArchivesWhat IWVPA means to me:
I’ve listed it here alphabetically.

A: America and Australia and all in-between
Places I’ve been to, some never seen

B: Brotherhood of writers, one common thread
Stories to tell, words to be said

C: Collections of the written word
Expressing the facts that have occurred

D: Daily entries constantly arrive
To keep the spirit so much alive

E: Effort of all who continue to write
Efforts of one who manages the site

F: Freedom to speak, freedom of thought
Telling the stories of soldiers who fought

G: Genuine feelings portrayed by the pen
Reminding us of life every now and again

H: Healing words comfort the soul
Written by others with hope to console

I: Individuality of all who actively belong
Hundreds of writers, still going strong

J: Journeying together on this pilgrimage
Baring our needs with each new page

K: Kinship felt with those around
Coming from within our thinking profound

L: Love the greatest gift that’s like no other
To lay down one’s life for his brother

M: Memories unveiled to those who read
Memories of those whose hearts do bleed

N: Need for those to express their thoughts
Their words alone cannot be bought

O: Outstanding commitment to honor those
Who take the time in poetry and prose

P: Patriotism abounds on the site
Spirits soar to lofty heights

Q: Quality of writings cannot exceed
What comes from the soul in time of need

R: Rewards are many; hours are long
To keep the IWVPA going strong

S: Sincere thoughts are simple pleasures
To read one’s works are times to treasure

T: Truth is what it’s all about
Stories to tell without a doubt

U: Understanding of the human need
To put into words for others to read

V: Vietnam and other wars
Must be remembered, not ignored

W: Writings to reveal the past
Forever sacred, meant to last

X: “Xtra” care that Tony takes
To make the IWVPA a welcomed place

Y: You and me and all who belong
Let togetherness be our united song

Z: Zealous site I must confess
Of which I’m proud and truly blessed.

There you have it from A to Z
A wonderful site you will agree
To come and visit now and again
May the IWVPA website forever remain.

Submitted for the March 2006 IWVPA Club Theme Project, “What IWVPA Means to Me