January 12, 2004
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This is a poem I wrote back in December for the mother of a young man who I went to school with. He was killed over Thanksgiving weekend in Iraq. I mailed it to her shortly after Christmas. See what you all think.
“Son of Iowa”
Son of Iowa, soldier brave,
We commit you to your early grave,
Embraced by the soil for which you fought.
Asleep in the peace for which you sought.
Your courage brightened Iowa’s star
Upon our nation’s flag, that field of blue.
Your very life, given to lands afar,
Purchased a stripe of red, dyed anew.
You rode to heaven on angel’s wings,
To the beat of a million thundering drums.
Of you the chorus of Valhalla sings,
Welcoming you, the hero, to his home.
Forever shall Iowa remember you, along side
Our Heroes at Shiloh, the Sullivan Boys, and Merle Hay
For your sacrifice made so that we may abide
Unhindered and free, day after day.
Watch over us, dear soldier, your indebted ones:
Family, stranger, countryman, friend.
Give us the wisdom to lay down our guns
For the peace you fought for to the end.
So when we hear the corn whisper, smell the rain,
Walk in forests or barefoot on green grass,
Let us see you, remember you, so not in vain
Was your love for Iowa to your very last
Breath.
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Comments (7)
very good poem Jake… I myself don’t recall much about him… but it does justice to his life and shows your gratefulness to him and what he stood for very well.
I’m sure she appreciated your poem. Too bad powerful words can’t make a difference before this happens. May God bless those who do stand up to protect us.
Jake, this is an amazing poem that really captured what our town felt. You did a really good job on this, and as always, I am impressed with your writing. I’m sure Aaron’s mother appreciated you writing this poem. Outstanding job, Jake–this was very touching. I hope all is well out there in Wyoming!
*sniff*
its pretty. and i bet the mom of your friend loved it,too. i hope you’re ok.
Take care
jax
That’s cool that you might be coming to uni! ttyl
Beautiful Jake, really truly wonderful. I hope it helps the family.
my spring break? well, we have winter break from Feb. 27-March 7, or Tour Week which is apr. 18-25… If I remember from last year, your spring break was either a week after mine or two weeks after it… stupid Wartburg crazy break schedule! So that’s when my breaks are… oh and we get april 8-12th off for easter as well… sort of sucks.