Faes2000

2010-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Leah

2010-12-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

2009-07-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

In The Green Zone

I stand the watch

I stand true

I am an American soldier

It is what I do

As you celebrate the Fourth

Remember me

I am far away

I enforce your freedom

On this special Day

So our flag can wave true

I am an American soldier

It is what I do…

©July 4, 2009

Faye Sizemore

For Jeremiah

2009-05-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend

As you made your salad..

Flipping your burgers with ease

Relaxing in this days` breeze

All impatiently waiting to gorge

Did any of you think of me

Freezing my feet at Valley Forge

It IS my Day.. you see

When you packed your kids

And picnic basket in your van

And headed down to the sea

Did you stop and think of me

When you stood upon the beach in awe

Did you stop and think of me

For I died upon a shore called Omaha

When you relaxed on your patio

With your glass of iced tea

Did you stop and think of me

I trekked the sweaty jungles of Nam

I fought and died there

Because I was true..you see

Did you stop and think of me

When you attended

The great Memorial Day White Sale

At the local J C Penny's

Did you stop and think of me

When you bought your white sheets

Did you think of the white bandages that covered me

When will you ever stop and think of me

Understand it is my Day today

For I fought Hilter all of the way

I died upon the Frozen Chosin

I chased and captured Hussein

I lost my limbs in Vietnam

I was with Sherman pushing to the Sea

Please..please ..pause and remember me...

©May 25,2009

Faye Sizemore

In Tribute...Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

In Tribute...

Memorial Day 2009

So many marble stones of Remembrance…

More than the eye can see at a glance

..Row upon row in this reverend place..

Memories gathered together in one space

For a brief moment they were ours alone

But their heroic deeds have taken them home

Their names are written upon history’s pages

And now these brave soldiers belong to the Ages

Once again with reddened eyes and damp tissues

We pay homage with sad yet gladdened heart

Proud there are such brave men as these

Who were true and never failed to do their part

©May 24, 2009

Faye Sizemore

For Veterans` Day 2008

2008-11-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Veterans` Day 2008

For The Fallen

Autumn leaves

Falling among the tombstones..

A colorful litter

Upon the ground

Amidst the headstones of white

Leaves. .fallen like you

All here is now peace

You have finally won

That for which you did fight

Flags now flutter proudly overhead

Of the place where you make your bed

Still your Brothers come

To stand in honor

Of all that you have done

They stand..
Heads bowed in the morning dew

This Veterans` Day

And I… just one of the protected

Head bowed..Stand here too..

©November 8, 2008

Faye Sizemore

2008-10-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I, Too, Am a Bad American (A Response)

Watch out, I’m one of those dreaded Liberals, but I'll just use a normal sized font, if that's okay. I'm a former service member, and I, too, believe in God. I drive a Buick and I buy American products if they're well made. I won’t knowingly buy anybody's shoddy product, regardless of where it's manufactured.

Not being an idiot, I believe the money I make is mine to do with as I please, as long as I'm not trying to hire an assassin, or something. I think any sane, honest American who wants a gun should be allowed to own one. I don't believe you need automatic weapons to protect your household, though, or hunt animals, if hunting is one of your pastimes. Most folks pretty much don't bother personally hunting down their meals these days. At least, not in America.

I don't think 'being a minority' makes one noble or victimized either, just as I know being a member of 'the majority' doesn't make one noble or special in any way. It does seem to make some of those majority members unaccountably arrogant, though. Incidentally, how does one 'get over' being a 'minority'?

I haven't had a Big Mac in years, but the menus at McDonald's are still printed in English, aren't they? Besides, I spent four years in Spain forty-odd years ago, and I can still speak Spanish (more or less). And yes, I did take the trouble to learn the language while I was in Spain, although it really wasn't all that necessary.

Most of the Spaniards I had to deal with off base - in hotels, stores, bars, restaurants, etc. - seemed to understand and speak English fairly well, for some reason. They were usually quite pleased when I chose to converse with them in Castilian, but some actually preferred that I speak to them in English, so they could practice the language.

Pray to the one True God? If we all kept that one True God in our hearts instead of paying Him lip service, we wouldn’t have to worry about keeping Him in our country. I think I'll just leave this one alone without saying more. It pretty much speaks for itself, anyway.

Concerning public, ostentatious displays of religion, Jesus said, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men...when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret...."

Did I say I was going to leave religion alone? Oh, well. Vagrant thought: Could this be anything like wearing patriotic lapel pins? I wonder...

When I think about it seriously, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers, and Willie Davidson really did nothing that should make me look upon them as heroic (once I grew up). People like Dr. Charles Drew did a hell of a lot more for America, and all of mankind, than all of those men combined. And I'll bet you a Big Mac most Americans haven't a clue who Dr. Drew was, or what he did that would inspire me to regard him as a hero.

I don't hate the rich either, and I'd much rather help the poor than pity them. In fact, I wouldn't mind being rich myself, not one little bit.

I couldn't agree more about 'professional' wrestling.

So you’ve never owned slaves, been a slave, burned witches, or been persecuted by Turks? Aren't we rambling just a little far afield, here?

Can't go back to where I came from; I'm already there. I live in the city where I was born. Besides, some of my ancestors came here in chains in the bowels of slave ships while others came across the fabled land bridge from Asia lo, these many years ago. Still others came from Europe. You really don't expect me to go back after all this time, do you? How would I split myself up?

Believe it or not, I've grown rather fond of America, although being preached at and talked down to by some of its more self-righteous citizens does give me a slight case of the pip, on occasion. Especially when I can’t help but wonder where they get the chutzpah. Do I still have to go to a Socialist country whether or not I want to go?

I'll bet if you put forth a little effort, you could find out to what church Reverend Jackson belongs, and even where he gets his money. You might even discover that he quite probably views people who write these sorts of screeds in much the same way they regard him.

Why shouldn't the police have the right to stop suspected lawbreakers, regardless of race, creed, or color, as long as they have a legitimate reason to do so? As far as shooting people simply because they're running away, does that apply if the guy is running only because he's afraid the police are related to you and just might shoot him on spec?

Until holding one's hand over one's heart while listening to or singing the American National Anthem or saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America becomes the law of the land, I guess people can stand with their hands at their sides while singing the Anthem or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, if they so desire. Why not, as long as they remain respectful? This is still the Unites States of America, isn't it?

Wearing a Flag pin on my lapel doesn't make me patriotic; it just tells people that I want them to think I'm patriotic. Doesn't change what's in my heart one bit.

As for me, I saluted when I was in uniform and placed my hand over my heart when I wore civilian clothes. Still do. Of course, none of this applies if you happen to be a soloist singing the Anthem. I’ll bet you never noticed that none of them ever seems to render a salute of any kind.

I ignore people standing in intersections selling stuff or soliciting donations, unless they're offering something I think is worth my money and attention. I have more important stuff to worry about, like what's for dinner.

You mean you want us to take down all those flags from member nations on public display in and around the UN building in New York City and on their embassy and consular grounds throughout the United States?

It may not take a village to raise a child, but having honest, caring neighbors who are genuinely interested in your children's welfare certainly can't hurt anything. On the other hand, it seems a universal truism that just about anybody can raise an idiot with no help whatsoever.

If I met someone who didn't know how to use a ballot, I'd take the time to show him or her how to use one. Sort of like helping the poor to help themselves instead of pitying them...or treating them with contempt.

It will probably shock you to death to discover that my family and the overwhelming majority of the people I grew up with are hard-working, God-fearing, blue-collar family types. And we live in the Big...Bad...City.

Now, if anyone thinks any of the foregoing makes me a Bad American, well (sigh) I guess I'll just have to live with it. And you don't need to send this to anybody else - I just felt like getting it off my chest. I hope I didn't miss any of the talking points, but if I did, that's life in the Big City.

Oh, yes; the ID card bit. I have no objection to my photo being on my driver's license. Hell, I've never even given a second thought to having my fingerprints on my military ID cards. As a matter of fact, the authorities can add a sample of my DNA to those cards any time they like.

Seven Years On

2008-09-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Seven Years On

Two beams of light

Two moments of silence

Eight forty eight

Nine oh three

New York

Washington

And Shanksville

Victims and heroes

Names read

In Remembrance

Bells tolling

Flags waving

But.. where.. oh..

Where is their avenging….

©September 11, 2008

Faye Sizemore

2008-08-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

Hallowed Ground

Fancy subdivisions..

The homes are new

With names like Bugle Call

And Cannon Hollow

They stand now where

Cotton used to grow

And where the sounds of battle

Still echo from long ago

Where was felled. Americas` sons.

Uncles and neighbors

Sons and fathers

Mothers` joys and fathers` hopes

Changed forever in wide scopes

A way of life has come and gone

Lying forever crushed and done

Paved country roads now run

Where armies hauled their big guns

Those that boomed with might

And turned the enemy with fright

Graceful trees now line the borders

Where soldiers hid grouped by orders

Fought bravely and lived or died

While a watching Nation cried

Meadows where soldiers` blood ran red

Growing now a remembrance flower bed

All is so peaceful here… And yet..

There are those who do not forget

That unity had a price that was paid for in blood

By the former tenants of this ancient neighborhood

© August 28,2008

Faye Sizemore

The Real Me

2008-08-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

My family says I am lovable
..I have to agree
I love to sit down and have some tea
I just wish they would all
Sit down with me...

©2008 Tatum Williams

No one knows

the real me

If I took off my mask

My face

You could see

And more important…

The real me.

A MUST READ !!

2008-06-17T19:36:00.001-07:00

Something Offig this way comes...

P.S. Gifford has penned a new book,

So I hope you will take a quick look.

You don’t have to be wary,

as this ones not near as Scary

And its worth all the years that it took…

This one is aimed at a younger crowd,

and cries out to be read out aloud.

The tales slightly creepy,

will make them soon sleepy,

oh that Offig makes me very proud!

I am sure most children will enjoy,

no matter if they`re a girl or boy.

The book has an old time feel,

and an universal appeal,

that should fill up the reader with joy...

http://www.psgifford.com/DrOffig.html

PSGifford

psgifford@earthlink.net

www.psgifford.com

D-Day June 6, 1944

2008-06-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

June 6, 1944

The sixth of June

In the dark of the moon

Brave men went

Where they were sent

To break Hitler's` Atlantic Wall

One hundred -fifty thousand in all

Tanks, balloons and ships

On foot and parachute

A mighty surge

Ensuring that

Freedoms` Voice

Was heard

Never forget ..

For

We still owe them

A debt yet..

Those that fell

And those

That survived that Hell

That paved Freedoms` Way

In 'Forty Four

On D- Day

©2008

Faye Sizemore

For D-Day

June 6,1944

2008-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Carolina Garden

Butterflies dip
Humming birds alight
The roses sway
In the evening light
The Crepe Myrtles
That I planted upon my knees
Have finally become trees

Honeysuckle perfumes
Flown in on the breeze
The Cardinals perch
Brightest red
in the Tulip Poplar trees
Among the water lily like flowers
Awakened by the spring showers

Yellow bell is flourishing
With a golden blush
Next to the butterfly bush
That the earth is nourishing
Snow on the mountain
Now grows on the patio
Beside the fountain

The Sweet William nods
Awaiting the dew
Next to where
The Oxalis grew
Rose of Sharon bushes above
Soon to be scented with blooms
That I always love

Mourning doves pause
In their flight
Surveying my world
Rabbits and squirrels
Prepare for the night
And the Whippoorwills
Call that all is right

Tired now
Here
I stand
Foolish old woman
With calloused hand
Tried to make an Eden
Out of red clay land

©2008
Faye Sizemore

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

From A Veterans` Point Of View

Memorial Day

Together.. We followed where it led..

That banner of the red.. the white and the blue

Some of us are now alive and some of us are dead

Some of us have troubles in our head

We gave our bodies.. our minds …our lives…

For that which the tri-colored banner stands

And our country.. where it still flies

Do you remember us..

The ones gone before

Who were lost in ill favored wars

Do you honor and remember us..

The ones in whom America put her trust

Who grew old before their time

Because they put it all upon the line

Together.. We followed where it led

Now gathered together

On another Memorial Day

Let us bow our heads and pray

Let us remember today.. our dead

Who lay beneath

That banner of blue.. white and red…

©2008

Faye Sizemore

For Memorial Day 2008

Crow Poetry: Lakota Nation Declares Independence from the US

2007-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

Crow Poetry: Lakota Nation Declares Independence from the US

December 7th

2007-12-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

A Day In December

Out of a clear dawn
over the Harbour
came the Rising Sun..
dealing death and destruction
to America`s Sons
Pray it never happens again
Forgiven but never forgotten..

©12/7/2007 Faye Sizemore

I am ready for a cool down

2007-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sighting

2007-06-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sighting

Speeding toward me
on the ground..
wings outstretched. .
a shadow..earthbound

Lifting my eyes to the skies
I see the hawk as he flies..
his feathers reflecting the sun`s glint

Magnificent. .just magnificent...

National Treasure

2007-05-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

Life is a treasure hunt.. and I am an avid huntress. Each day has something delightful to offer. I dearly love little out of the way shops and old country stores crammed with stuff from yesteryear.

There is nothing more intriguing to me than to find ..around the bend in a country road ..an old shambling farmhouse and barn. My camera is always handy to record these scenes. I have found many beautiful spots of passing Americana old buildings..hidden waterfalls and laurel coated mountains.

Yesterday was no different .I was looking for little waterfalls and old places with character. What I found is nothing less than an American treasure.. certainly a piece of history and a source of unending pride.

On a winding back road.. tucked between the rhododendron covered hills.. in a little home complete with two large dogs.. one black and one yellow.. by the way ,the fattest and friendliest that I have ever seen.. I have found one of the most delightful treasures that I have ever come across.. heart stopping.. a true piece of Americana.. complete with all it`s beauty and pride.

This treasure is Master Sergeant Franklin Sobin USA Retired.. He is a veteran of three wars. He was in the Merchant Marine during WWII.. then he joined the Army and served in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War.

We were invited back to talk and We shall certainly go. I cannot wait to hear his stories which he seemed willing to share. He gifted me with this picture when I told him that I would consider it an honor to be allowed to write about his service and post it on the internet.

Now.. is he not the most precious of treasure finds...?

�May 10 2007 Faye Sizemore

Tiny Tales Of Twisted Terror ..some reasons to leave the lights on..

2007-04-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Tiny Tales Of Twisted Terror ..some reasons to leave the lights on..

2007-04-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

What Dreams..

When you bunked at Auschwitz..
did you sleep and dream
cuddling your children closer to you
..wondering if the world knew
what was happening to you

Praying that a savior would come
or did you dream of fields of flowers
planted in remembrance
of those of you who perished
while the world hesitated
and you lost all you cherished

Caught forever in a world of horror
..victims of a madman`s terror
Your destruction. .
the intent of his scheme
Tell me .. Did you sleep and dream...

©April 15,2007
In Memory of the Holocaust

Gathering Of Eagles

2007-03-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

There are two petitions now up online. One for people to sign only if
they WILL be at the Gathering of Eagles on March 17th:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GOE31707/petition.html

The second petition is for those who will be with us in spirit:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/GOE317/petition.html

This will be very helpful in giving us some idea of how many Eagles
will be in attendance on the 17th and how many will be supporting us from
home.

If you plan to be there, sign in. Those who just canâ€™t attend but
stand with us in spirit are asked to sign the second petition.

From The Other Side

2007-03-08T20:58:00.001-08:00

http://www.glanmore.org/FromTheOtherSide.html

A Gathering Of Eagles

2007-02-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Gathering of Eagles is an act of love by thousands of veterans who choose to honor the sacrifice of the fallen by guarding the memorials from those who would desecrate them on March 17th in a "peaceful" anti-war rally in Washington D.C.

It is also an act of war, a call to action for every American who chooses to stand and say "No more!" to those who would spit on our veterans and ridicule their service to our nation.

We invite you to join us March 17th, as we stand together as one to ensure that the sacrifices of our fallen and the memorials that remember them are not tarnished by the ungrateful.

http://gatheringofeagles.org

THE LITERARY BONE

2007-01-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

THE LITERARY BONE

The River`s Name

2007-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

I am all powerful

I need no mighty armies

for all of theirs are mine

and those of their enemies

To meet in my honor..

they journey near and far..

giving their young bodies

as offerings for my fire

whilst I merrily dance

about their funeral pyre

I am more powerful

than the lightning

in the skies

I can call the breath

from their bodies

and the sight

from their eyes

I make all mothers weep

and the grown men cry

for brothers they must seek

until the day that they die…

I am a wild river

that flows deep and wide

Raging .. ever onward ..

ignoring the screams

of those that have died..

a river of death

and blood

engulfing all

in my mighty flood

My tides shall ebb

and flow forevermore

Bow your heads

and acknowledge me

..for my name is WAR…

©12/30/06 Faye Sizemore

Home

2007-01-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

fray68

2006-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

2006-12-21T06:50:00.001-08:00

Sophie

Here is beauty
now ..so very fair
that all can sense
and see it there
Youth`s smooth face
of yesteryear is gone
and in it`s place
are the etchings
of Times` grand artist
who has touched
this beloved face
with his loving hand
and created an epitah
that before God
and man can stand
humbly..yet..still
in all it`s glory
..so grand...

©2006 Faye Sizemore

2006-12-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Child

I thought the child
had sickened and died
I had sung it sad refrains
wailed my goodbyes and cried
but all the while it
was there bidding its` time
to spring eternal and true
..to came alive anew
on Santa`s knee..
sweet and mild
Long live the child...

©December16,2006 Faye Sizemore

2006-12-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Night Santa Went Crazy

2006-12-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

2006-12-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

Remembrance

Death came
with the rising sun
on that morning so long ago
in nineteen- forty one
Sixty-five years ago today
and now.. all around the world..
we bow our heads to pray
still in reverence..

of the lives lost at Pearl...

©December 7,2006 Faye Sizemore

Autumn In Liberty

2006-11-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Veterans Are My Heroes

2006-11-10T06:50:00.001-08:00

VETERANS DAY, 2001

I remember
the sound of drums and
marching feet
I was just a child
I remember parades
sitting
on the curb
all would catch my eye,
the hats taken off
as Old Glory was passing by.
I was just a child
The dry leaves
crunched
under foot as they marched
past our school
where each day we started
with the pledge
and a prayer
unity was the rule
I was just a child
veterans marching by heads held high
Ill sit on the curb again
with the dry leaves blowing
and the snap of flags in the wind
Because you are my Heroes
..and always have been

©Copyright November 2, 2001 by Faye Sizemore

and still are..........

Sadness In Paradise

2006-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sadness In Paradise

Placid brown horses...black...black buggies...all in a line...
Their moment of sorrow…now frozen in time…
...carrying a little girl to her final resting place
Though forgiveness gives their hearts peace...
still the gentle people must agonize
I know their hearts ache…and it is somber...so somber…
on this day in Paradise...

©2006 Faye Sizemore

2006-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Goodbyes

Fluttering beauties descend

to feast upon purple blossoms

Summer has come to an end

The breeze is now cool

Soon they must go

down to Mexico...Mexico

Black veined magic

...orange winged gossamer

not much longer to linger here

They would not survive and so

there are whispers

of warmer Mexico...Mexico

Soon their wings

will beat goodbyes` staccato

Soon...soon…

I know…

Monarch Butterflies must go

winging to Mexico…Mexico...

©2006 Faye Sizemore

THE LITERARY BONE: August 2006THE LITERARY BONE

2006-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

THE LITERARY BONE: August 2006THE LITERARY BONE

Silverthought

2006-08-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

[silverthought.]

V.F.W. Lyons,NY Chainsaw Art Soldier

2006-08-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Forever Sunday

2006-08-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Forever Sunday

The Angels today do sing
and the heavens do ring
with the greatest of rejoicing
The Angels joy runneth over
with the praises that they are voicing
It is Poppa`s first Sunday among them
with his faith always a shinning gem..
though certainly we will miss him
Our loss is now the Angels gain
on this Sabbath Day
The Choir will never be the same
since he has found his way
For now there is a spot there
where the voices heartily ring
..its melody is the best
Poppa ..in his glory ..is singing
as joyfully as the rest...

August 6,2006 Faye Sizemore
In Remembrance of 'Poppa' David Alexander
August 19,1946-August 3, 2006

2006-07-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is the old Hester Store located near Daccusville.South Carolina
It is listed in Shadowlands haunted places.
There are two ghosts here.One is a woman who sometimes appears in one of the upper windows.
One of the ghosts is a man who was hung years ago in an oak tree in the back of the store.Some people have reported seeing him hanging there at night.

Could this be the oak tree?

2006-07-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

July in Eastatoe Valley

Protect Free Speech

2006-07-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

The 4TH Of JULY

2006-07-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

TOMORROW IS THE FOURTH OF JULY and I sit here in my home office and wonder why our nation has changed so much since the days of World War Two. Some sixty plus years ago I remember the islands of the Pacific teaming with the ravages of war, from bones of the dead to rusted hulks of ships which have succumbed to the salty Pacific Sea, from gallant planes of our country as well as skeletons of aircraft which once flew from the airfields of our enemy, from barges which met their fate from some enemy warship, from debris of war strewn helter-skelter over so many islands sick with the sounds and smells of a world gone mad. I remember a lone anti-aircraft gun on Kwajalein's shore crusted with the rust of too many days in the sun when drenched in the waves of a sea-sick ocean. How many planes did this gun bring down? How many American lives were lost when their planes dived head-long into the salty brine? What were the names of the brave men who perished in the sea? Perhaps there were Don's and Doug's,

Bills' and Bob's, Charlie's and Chester's, Sylvester's and Paul's,Joe's and Buster's and a thousand other names once called by mothers and wives, children, brothers and sisters, friends, sweethearts and lovers, football coaches, soccer moms, basketball and base ball fans. No longer shall they find their place at the family table for their feasting days are done as the remains of their bodies wash back and forth in an angry sea. Their skeletons have long dissipated, their war-clothing

has rotted, but their names have not been forgotten and even today their very names are called by those who still suffer from the void of their presence.

Sad it is to see a mighty ship slip beneath the waves with Old Glory still waving in the breeze!

Never again will she sail the mighty seas with her precious cargo of souls of American boys and men. Who will keep muster when she lands a mile deep beneath the surface of a troubled sea?

Who will wish them well in their fight for Freedom? Who will miss them when they have gone?

Who will cry sleepless nights wondering how they died? The "kit bags" of loved ones are not big enough to hold all their sorrows, or all of their dreams of the tomorrows which never came, and which will never come. Such sorrow stems from one lone anti-aircraft gun on some blasted island in the Pacific Sea! There are myriad's of islands and of such guns strewn all across the Pacific.

I remember the end of the war when joy filled the cities of America, though many of us were still not home yet. Thousands upon thousands of American women did the jobs of men in making tanks and planes and ships, freeing men to go to war. Many women piloted the planes of war to bomber and fighter bases all over our country and also overseas. Not a few lost their lives is so serving our country in time of war. There was a spirit of union, a spirit of united efforts to do the things which ordinarily could not be done. Let's call it the Spirit of Patriotism.

Now, let me go back to the beginning; the words are "TOMORROW IS THE FOURTH OF JULY"! Where is that Spirit of Patriotism? Where is it? Do you see it? How many flags are flying just on your block? On your Street? In your town? What has happened in America?

I live in Albuquerque and the only American flag I see flies from a prominent perch at my address. The message says, here is the home of a 100% service-connected disabled veteran of WWII. This octogenarian wants the world to know that Freedom is such a precious commodity

that failing to fly the flag gives a warrant of death to that Freedom for which so many Americans died. Those Americans who were the Don's, Doug's, Bill's, Charlie's, Chester's, Sylvester's, Paul's, Joe's, and Buster's of yesterday died for Freedom. Were they alive American flags would be flying at their address! Don't think that wouldn't be so. If they could see the apathy of so many Americans, would not their ghosts rise to condemn such apathy?

Simply put; I still love my country, in spite of her sins, and the flag which so long has stood for Freedom. Just now I stood before the flag, waving in the New Mexico breeze, and saluted and started the "Pledge of Allegiance" and got as far as "Under God" when the glory of that moment caused me to forget the rest of the Pledge!

Today at the VA Hospital, Albuquerque, when the nurse unwrapped both legs, they were still bleeding. She tenderly washed both legs and placed each in what is known as "Unna's Boot", then finished with an Ace Bandage. This veteran hasn't had a shower since May 14 due to two legs which seem not to heal. I am happy with the legs I have, for some veterans gave both their legs for FREEDOM!

TOMORROW IS THE FOURTH OF JULY!

Flaps Down,

An Army Air Corps Veteran of WWII, of the 509th Composite Bomb Group, 20th AF.

C. Douglas Caffey

2006-07-02T20:19:00.000-07:00




Our message board: Dragonfly`s Pond

Hosted by Runboard.com

2006-07-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Time for a summer diet !

Seoul,South Korea

2006-06-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

My Grandson serving in South Korea

2006-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

PVT.Jeremiah James Colvin

2006-06-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hay makin` time..

Vacant

2006-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

This old house resides in a field.It
caught my eye as we were driving by.

My son had told me of an old barn on the same road and I was looking for it and found this instead.

2006-06-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Old Barn In Liberty,SC

God`s Grace

2006-05-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

God`s Grace

Indonesia..
death toll nearing five thousand
..ravished by earthquakes
lashed by rains
survivors scrounging for food
..praying for fresh water
lamenting their grief
for each son and daughter

God`s grace.. it is coming..
will it come too late..
Some in the wake of Katrina still wait
Today the Pope walked the mazes
of Auschwitz and Birkenau
and prayed in German for the souls lost there
..a measure of God`s Grace ..
but so late..so late...

©2006 Faye Sizemore

Another For Memorial Day 2006

2006-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

WITHOUT TEARS

I cannot see
the riderless horse

... without tears

I cannot hear
the creak of caisson wheels

... without tears

I cannot view
a flag covered coffin

... without tears

I cannot see their hands
fold the flag

... without tears

I cannot hear
the final tribute volley

... without tears

I cannot listen
to Taps

... without tears

I cannot write
of it now

... without tears

Respect..
honor... remembrance

all given with tears...

As Shadows

2006-05-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

New Direction For The Veteran
http://www.newdirectionsinc.org/fortheveteran.shtml

AS SHADOWS

Homeless heroes... you say,
where are they...?
If you really care...
direct your gaze over there

They are become
as shadows... just the unseen
... never noticed
by some living the American Dream

That broken man right there
is a vet and
he fought for a country
that denies him yet

Look around
and you will find
there's lots more
of his kind

He's addicted
He's afflicted
He has troubles
on his mind

Can't you put
a dollar in his hand
He's been through hell
for this land

He doesn't want much
He will eat his bread
without any butter
one way or another

All he asks
is to be remembered
... himself
and every brother

Consider your handout
a payment small
for a vet who
is still giving all

Settling for hot coffee
without any cream..
he's the one who fought
for your American Dream...

Paperback Writer: Special Day

2006-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Paperback Writer: Special Day

For Memorial Day 2006

2006-05-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Awaiting Transport..WWII Heroes

In my heart
there are those heroes
that never came home
and their families that were left alone
There are also those who did
and lived with biting memories
that sometimes remained hid
of the ones they left behind
I beg of you to be kind
and make a place in your memory
where they can forever shine
These are old soldiers of yesteryear
I feel them..so protective ..ever near
Their time has almost come
and they are fast fading from our sight ..
never into the night
but into the pure light..
and into the lights of our memories..
to stay forever bright
Heroes forever..
for they have earned that right...

©2006 Faye SizemoreFor Memorial Day 2006

http://www.managedmusic.com/beforeyougo.html

Biker Chick

2006-05-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

My grandaughter, on her Uncle Charlie`s bike..testing the stance..

Old Tractor

2006-05-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Retired..and lazing in the shed..
belongs to my son,Jim

More Old Barns

2006-05-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

These are also on Hwy 135 near Easley,SC

Old Barns

2006-05-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

I love old barns ! These are on hwy 135 between Pumpkintown and Easley ,South Carolina.

Beautiful Views

2006-05-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Route 11 toward Table Rock

2006-05-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Our Tulip Poplar is in bloom since April..

2006-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is Table Rock Mountain in the distance..

2006-05-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

Some interesting scenery I found around Table Rock ,SC

2006-05-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hey I have a new hat to work in the yard with.My old straw one was getting bad..

Faye

2005-11-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

2005-08-09T02:45:00.000-07:00

For God,Country,Mom ,And Apple Pie

The old man seemed not to notice the buzz of the green blow flies as he lifted the lid off the dumpster and flipped it back out of his view..
It was hot .The heat index must have been 110 degrees.The man was sweating profusely. He could hardly stand it .Dan had told him he sure wouldn`t have survived the Nam..and he had agreed,wiping the moisture from his brow onlt to have it appear again almost immediately..
MacDonald`s shift had just changed and so had the food in their warmers..Not to mention their prepared salads from the noontime meal.This sweet dumpster held it all
Inside there might be food fit for a king ..or a trip to the hospital if it had sat too long ..you took your chances. He let his nose judge the freshness of the contents before he stuffed the packages into his crumpled paper bag.
Damn,he said..if they`d only toss a few drinks out too but I guess one couldn`t ask for more than was already there ..stale hamburger sandwiches and lots of fries ..even a few crushed small apple pies...He knew old Dan loved apple pies..
Gently lowering the cover he started with his prizes back down the alley way from whence he had come..It had been worth the effort today and he smiled as he went along .. clutching his bag to his chest.
A small black and once white,dog pranced out to meet him.'You again',he said 'here you go' tossing a container of fries at the dog`s feet'I know you`re too dang short to reach in that dumpster and git yore own.Now leave me alone .the rest belongs to me and ol` Dan'.
With that he walked faster down the alley ..only slowing when his limp became more pronounced.The smell from the bag spurred him onward .He was tempted to nibble a bit on the way but that wouldn`t be right .Not with Dan countin` on him to bring supper that night.
Dan couldn`t scrounge like he could ,not with both of his legs gone ,blown away in a Vietnam jungle long ago .He used to have artificial limbs but they wore out and Dan wouldn`t go about the VA doctors anymore.Dan had told him when they had first met and shared that first bottle that the VA just didn`t understand and he was tired of treatments that went no where so he was content to stay here with his friend and sleep in the alley behind the MacDonald`s Restaurant.....
'Dan,, here`s us a good meal today,my friend.Apple pie ,Dan??.Dan??.."... ..Dan didn`t answer..Dan would never answer again..It was be a lonely meal tonight...

©2005 Faye Sizemore

Faes2000

Happy Birthday, Leah

In Tribute...Memorial Day 2009

For Veterans` Day 2008

Seven Years On

The Real Me

A MUST READ !!

D-Day June 6, 1944

Memorial Day 2008

Crow Poetry: Lakota Nation Declares Independence from the US

December 7th

I am ready for a cool down

Sighting

National Treasure

Tiny Tales Of Twisted Terror ..some reasons to leave the lights on..

Gathering Of Eagles

From The Other Side

A Gathering Of Eagles

THE LITERARY BONE

The River`s Name

Home

The Night Santa Went Crazy

Autumn In Liberty

Veterans Are My Heroes

Sadness In Paradise

THE LITERARY BONE: August 2006THE LITERARY BONE

Silverthought

V.F.W. Lyons,NY Chainsaw Art Soldier

Forever Sunday

Protect Free Speech

The 4TH Of JULY

Seoul,South Korea

My Grandson serving in South Korea

Vacant

God`s Grace

Another For Memorial Day 2006

WITHOUT TEARS

©Copyright May 11, 2006 by Faye Sizemore

As Shadows

AS SHADOWS

©Copyright November 13, 2005 by Faye Sizemore

Paperback Writer: Special Day

For Memorial Day 2006

Biker Chick

Old Tractor

More Old Barns

Old Barns

Beautiful Views

Faye