Shelley Timberlake

SPEAKING UP FOR THE SILENT

“Now when it grows dark those memories
can light up the night for us all
and for a moment… the shadows flee
and once again, we feel the heat
of love and passion
the warmth of friendship
and
the glow of triumph and victory

we love you… and your families
Merry Christmas… and
‘thanks for the memories’. “

“Sweet memories & family are all good stuff.
The million dead in Iraq had such memories
once… “

Insidious disease invades a life
taking, inch by inch
action and independence
leaving in its wake the slow scrabbling
to make something of the residue
which, even then is taken
away

emotion intact
memory intact
hopes and dreams and plans
unutterably altered

this too is a war
…
within

quoting Bob Hope’s most famous line
at its end
made a connection
timing too, a link
on this day of official withdrawal
“final”
even while the next incursions
are in planning…

Author’s Note: Dedicated to those coping with loss and ongoing struggle, regardless of cause.

Inspired by communications triggered by the narrative, “Thanks For The Memories” – ©Copyright December 18, 2011 by Nicholas A. “Andy” Andreacchio, including one by Roger Liebmann who wrote: “Sweet memories and family are all good stuff. The million dead in Iraq had such memories once… “