Category: Patriotic

CLOSE TO THE FIRE
© Copyright 2013 Richard Lee King

The year is Nineteen Sixty Three, they’re fighting in Vietnam.
He’s standing close to the fire, awaiting the call from Uncle Sam.
They’re pulling peoples numbers, who’ll be the next to go?
Each drawing we all stand by, will it be someone we know?

He’s in his first year of college, seeking a better life,
working on building a home, a place for his soon-to-be wife.
By Sixty Five they’re married, still worried about his fate,
and though still attending classes, he’s now working for the State.

She says we’re having a baby; soon his first son will arrive.
If they call him off to war, how will they ever survive?
Soon they’ll draw more numbers; it’s called the draft lottery.
If they should pull his number, Vietnam is where he’ll likely be.

Some head for the Canadian border. Others,,, possibly to Mexico,
but if his number is called, to Uncle Sam is where he’ll go.
It’s not about being brave, though that might be debated,
it’s more about facing obligations, which can never be over stated.

This is our country and we find it extremely nice,
but it wouldn’t be that way, had not our forefathers paid the price.
Both his dad and oldest brother spent time with Uncle Sam,
and the lessons they both taught, helped him to become a man.

He’ll not volunteer, likely his body won’t pass the tests,
but if his Uncle calls, he’ll offer his very best.
Just as his Dad in Forty Four, and his brother in Fifty Three,
when Uncle Sam calls, he’ll answer to the need. 

In 44, when his Dad was drafted, it was to be “the last world war.”
He had 5 kids, and a wife at the ripe ol age of 34.
When his brother turned 18, they were fighting in Korea.
He signed up and told his parents, “When it’s over I’ll be back to see ya.”

Nearly 40 years later, with another war to be won,
his son joined the army, and learned to carry a gun.
He wanted to go to college, but it’s 91, we’re fighting in Iraq.
He enlists in the 4 year program, thinking school could wait til he got back.

With each new generation’s war, Uncle Sam might make that call,
and another family member, may be asked to give their all.
Standing close to the fire, facing the stress and strife,
for each new generation, seems it’s been our way of life.

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Gramps use’ta say
© R.L.King 2012 #281

About: Raising Kids

 “Inspiration comes in many forms,
but it’s hard to top
a well-timed paddlin.”

I thought it would be a good time to re-post this item that I wrote during the controversy over the NFL players kneeling during our National Anthem.

 RESPECTING OUR FLAG

 The playing of the National Anthem is not a time for protest. It is not a time to draw attention to yourself or to be used as a platform for any of your personal causes. It’s our National Anthem! It’s the rocket’s red glare….. bombs bursting in air… the song that honors every American who has ever worn the uniform of our country to protect the rights of its citizens….  It is a time to show respect and pride for our country and for our military. It is a time to put our patriotism on display for the whole world to see.

Patriotism comes in many forms, but the very basics begin with respecting our flag and our National Anthem. During the playing of our National Anthem, it is the responsibility of every American to immediately discontinue any conversation, stand, (men take your hat off) place your right hand over your heart (unless you are a veteran, in which case you already know what is proper) and proudly sing along in honor of our country and the men and women who have given so much to earn and maintain our freedom.   It’s a time to thank them for the sacrifices they make every day.

You cannot lay claim to your right of freedom of speech by acting in a manner disrespectful to the men and women who wore the uniform and fought to give you that right. No matter how important your cause may be, disrespecting the traditions inherent with the playing of our National Anthem is not a proper way to call attention to them.

Just a week or so back while watching an episode of SEAL TEAM on TV, I was once again reminded of the piss poor medical care America provides for our veterans and I remembered this poem that I wrote a number of years back. With Memorial Day just around the corner, it seemed appropriate to present it again at this time.

WOUNDED WARRIORS
©By: Richard L. King
From the book Wanderin & Wonderin

They’re back on the home front, their pain far from done,
for many wounded warriors the battle has just begun.

Being a soldier was their calling, they never sought acclaim,
they fought beside their buddies, some of whom were slain.

They now own purple hearts and distinguished service awards,
for the courageous manner in which they wielded their “swords.”

We call them the lucky ones; death took many of their pards,
as they played the hand dealt them, guess that wasn’t in their cards.

They’ve endured incredible pain, with the worst still yet to come,
living with all the memories returns with each rising sun.

Yet evening may be worse, when they attempt to fall asleep,
nightmares will surround them, as the mind scars begin to creep.

Eventually they will sleep, until once more the horror begins,
they will face the hated enemy time and time again.

Missing arms, missing legs and for some, their eyesight gone,
although their war is over their battle goes on and on…

They longed for mercy throughout the dreadful pain,
praying for strength in all of those with whom they’d lain.

We can help to heal them, at least, the obvious wounds,
it’s those dreaded mind scars from whence their demons loom.

 Everywhere they go, feeling that same old stare,
just once more to be ‘normal’ that’s all about which they care.

Life goes on around them, smiles on most every face,
they’d like to get up and join in and leave that awful place.

 They’re back on the home front, their pain far from done,
for many wounded warriors the real battle has just begun.

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Gramps use’ta say
R.L.King2012 #129

About: Military Service

“A man’s words never speak louder than his actions.”

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 From The Hints Book Almanac II
Some useful tips in your kitchen area…

 CLEANING/KITCHEN – Ants on your counter – Generously wipe down your counter tops with white vinegar. Appliances & countertops – Rubbing alcohol removes permanent marker from most any surface. Lighter fluid works very well also. You might also try pouring club soda directly on the countertop, wipe with a soft cloth to clean, rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. This is safe for all types of counter tops. When a skillet or pot has burnt food in it add a few drops of dish soap, enough water to cover the burnt level, bring to a boil then simmer a minute or two and it will clean up much easier. For cast iron pans you can prevent them from rusting by wiping them dry with paper towels before storing. If you miss a spot, use the cut end of a halved potato dunked in baking soda to rub away the rust. Clean your coffee maker by filling the reservoir with water and adding 2 table-spoons of water softener. Run the machine through its cycle. This will freshen it up. White distilled vinegar will do the same. Clean your glass coffee pot – Add 1 cup of crushed ice, 1 tablespoon of water and 4 teaspoons of salt to your coffee pot. Swish around, rinse and wash – stains all gone. Coffee and/or tea stains in cups and/or mugs can be removed by rubbing with salt and a little water. De-odorize your cutting board by first washing the surface, and then mix 1 tablespoon of bleach and 1 cup of water. Let this solution sit for a few minutes on your board before rinsing well. Glass topped tables will sparkle and be lint free if after cleaning them you put a little fabric softener in some warm water, dampen a clean cloth and wipe the glass with the solution. The glass will not only be sparkling, but will be lint-free.– For your glassware with fine scratches – Use plain white toothpaste as a polishing cream. To keep them cleaner than clean, use your regular dishwashing soap and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the sink. To clean greasy kitchen surfaces (stove top, etc.) mix 1 tablespoon Dawn® dishwashing detergent with ½ cup ammonia and enough water to fill a spray bottle. Be sure to label your bottle and, as with other cleaning supplies, keep it away from children.

 

 

 A MILITARY MAN
©By: Richard L. King

Only those who’ve served the cause can ever fully understand
the price paid for freedom,,,, by a military man.

Freedom comes at a cost not all are willing to pay,
but a military man pays that price each and every day.

He joined because of duty, because he felt it was his chore,
just as it was for his brothers, all those who went before.

He was still learning to live as he was being taught to kill,
he’s found the search for liberty can be a mighty bitter pill.

He has carried a rifle along with his 80 pound pack
and the weight of the entire world all heaped upon his back.

He has faced the demons found within the ways of war,
he’s fought in foreign countries, protecting foreign shores.

He’s a military man with humanitarian intent,
fighting the worlds demons wherever he’s been sent.

We’re thankful he’s still standing, that freedom is still the goal,
but most of all we’re thankful to those who’ve filled that roll.

Those who’ve carried war weapons, slept together in a trench,
who know the smell of death and have endured that awful stench.

When the flag of freedom waves and the world’s at peace again,
when the soldiers all return, then and only then,,, we’ll count it as a win.

Only those who’ve served the cause can ever fully understand
the price paid for freedom,,,, by a military man.

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Gramps use’ta say
R.L.King2012 #164
  

About: Military Service 

“A soldier may leave the military,
but the military never truly leaves a soldier.”

 

UNSUNG HEROES
©  By: Richard L. King

To those who’ve fought the enemy and lived to come back home,
those who’ll spend their years reliving the horrors they have known.

To those who slept in foxholes and those who drove the tanks,
those who protect our freedoms ….to you we give our thanks.

To those who chase the criminals or pursue a speeding car,
who watch over us each day, yet we know not who you are.

To those who drive the fire trucks and run in to put out the flames,
who risk your lives each day, though we seldom know your names.

To those who drive the ambulance or care for the infirmed
…those who make a difference, our respect you all have earned.

To you, our unsung heroes …and to all of your alums,
as your dedication we applaud we shall all have upturned thumbs.

Here’s to you.

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Gramps use’ta say
R.L.King2012 #424

 About: Angry Women

 “They’s times they ain’t much ya can say
…that ain’t wrong.”

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