life on purpose
a commonplace book by jennifer lynn kuhlmann merck
"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference." - Jimmy Carter
A Song for Fallen Heroes
Thanks to my friend, Ann, at livedahobbit.blogspot.com, for reminding me that poetry and song are sometimes the best ways to speak when you are uncertain of your voice. This is a song by John Gorka. I first encountered it sung by David Wilcox. The story behind it is sweet and haunting. We don’t know who wrote the poem, but a nurse found it in an army hospital in the Phillipines during World War II.
So, on this Veterans Day: to all those who have fought for our country, my favorite song about fallen heroes:
Let them in, Peter. They are very tired. Give them couches where the angels sleep And light those fires. Let them wake whole again To brand new dawns. Fired by the sun not wartime’s Bloody guns. May their peace be deep. Remember where the broken bodies lie. God knows how young they were To have to die. So give them things they like. Let them make some noise. Give dance hall bands not golden harps To these our boys. And let them love, Peter For they’ve had no time. They should have trees and bird songs And hills to climb. The taste of summer in a ripened pear And girls sweet as meadow wind With flowing hair. And tell them how they are missed, But say not to fear. It’s gonna be alright With us down here.
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