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THE LAST SHOT
Battles fought and battles won
The measures of a war
Their tallies told in fallen sons
The way of keeping score
Wars' rumors and realities
The plague of generations
Defined by time as normalcy
Acceptable abominations
These milleniums of mayhem
Have sadly been foretold
The earth's been Satan's playpen
But its not his to hold
A day is coming with the wind
When he'll be blown away
By He on whom all hope is pinned
The Truth, the Light, the Way
The saints will be there prancing
At Heaven's golden shore
Angels will be dancing
With sailors lost no more
Fallen soldiers of many lands
Are afforded front row seats
There are tears of joy and clasping hands
When wars' evils God defeats
There are shouts of celebration
At last, at last, we've won!
Thanking the Lord in jubilation
As silent falls the final gun
Randy Richmond - Nov. 29, 2001
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THOUGHTS BETWEEN THE LINES
Hi Bobby!
Dear Mom,
Just looked at the calender and its one month today since we saw you off on the plane. Seems like only yesterday. Remember how chilly it was?
Gosh Mom, you know, it feels like I've already been here for a year. The days are never-ending and hot...hot like you just can't imagine.
I sure hope this finds you doing ok son. Have you been eating well?
Ham and lima beans again today Mom. I really miss those Sunday suppers with fried chicken and mashed potatoes, and what I wouldn't give right now for an ice cold glass of milk!
I'm sure by now you've met some new friends there and are getting some valuable experience to go with your mechanical training.
By the way Mom, I'm a rifleman now in an infantry company. There was evidently more need here than for working in the motor pools. Guess that's the army's way.
Haven't made too many friends yet, the guys just kind of keep to themselves a lot. Most of them haven't even asked my name. Maybe when I've been here awhile longer they'll come around.
Your dad is very tired. He's been working nine or ten hours this week doing the inventory at the store. He eats, reads the paper, and is too worn out to watch T.V. lately.
We've only been in base camp once since I arrived. I don't think I've had more than 3 or 4 changes of clothes. Doesn't make much difference out here anyway, the new ones smell pretty much the same as the old after humping around out here from dawn to dusk. And, I'm told you really don't want to smell new anyway. 'Good' nights are quiet, dark, hot, and lonely.
Your brother is so proud of you! He tells his friends that after his senior year is finished in June, he wants to follow in his big brother's footsteps.
Mom, when Skip graduates, please, please try to convince him to go to college for the next 4 years or whatever it takes to keep him from having to come over here...take my word for it Mom, you don't want him here!
Johnny next door broke his ankle at football practice. He'll miss the season as he won't get the cast off for 6 weeks. Poor child!
I'd never seen dead bodies before Mom, it just makes me sick every time I do and that is way too often. First platoon lost 2 guys today. I didn't know them and I'm glad I didn't. We only had one guy wounded...he's probably coming home.
We're picking Grandma up for church again Sunday morning. She said to tell you that she's praying for you and all the soldiers. We are too!
I always believed in God Mom...still do, but I'm convinced now that the devil is real too. I think wars are his stronghold. I see his work every day...you can smell his breath everywhere. I don't remember ever being this frightened before.
Well Bobby, the doorbell just rang. I think it's your Aunt and Uncle. We're going to play cribbage with them tonight so take care, love you, and will write more later.
Love, Mom
Gotta run Mom...Charlie's knocking and it's getting louder. They're walking mortars into our position...we're moving out...Vietnam is way too real Mom...it's not a game.
Bye and Love ya, Bobby
Randy Richmond 8-19-02
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It was my great honor to receive this award for 'Thoughts Between The Lines'!
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COLORS
My flag had little meaning, nor this my native land
When I was but a little boy and I was asked to stand
To pledge to it allegiance, I knew not what that meant
I saw grown men standing quietly and watching its ascent
At ball games with my father, before they'd even start
We'd stand again to stare at it with hands over our hearts
I never did quite understand the bother or the fuss
I didn't know for what it stood or what it means to us
I was there at many funerals and watched the loved ones cry
As the flag was folded reverently, I always wondered why
It seemed that everywhere I went, a flag was always there
Some would show it great respect and others didn't care
Then when still a young man, I went off to a war
After serving in that foreign land, I was confused no more
I understood exactly the reasons for the tears
The concern and awe shown to our flag in my younger years
Each color has a meaning, the red and white and blue
Combined, they hold the story of our country tried and true
They stand for those who gave their lives and those with unknown fates
Each star a shining sibling of the brotherhood of states
So now when I am asked to stand, I do so with great pride
And sometimes I get misty-eyed remembering those who died
I believe the best gift we can give to a young child
Is assurance their colors always wave... proud and undefiled
Randy Richmond -- 1992
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Courtesy of Doc's military and patriotic http://www.geckocountry.com/milgraphics.htm
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TALKING TO THE WALL
It's a wonder people come here who didn't know your names
Even some who burned your flag in desecrating flames
They say that time's a healer and I guess that must be so
Though we still wonder where they were these many years ago
It's a wonder that the grass grows here from tears that salt the earth
Shed by eyes that hold no answers, but question still the worth
This magnificent black monument can not reflect your deeds
It shows but what divisiveness and indecision breeds
This testimony to your lives is here, forever to be kept
And witness my friends, in a recent war, no prisoners were left
We believe your sacrifices lent aid to that success
And if a war should come again, then we'll demand no less
Times now are no more peaceful than they were back then
Seems the lesson's never learned, we always fight again
I wonder if a day will come to lay down swords and guns
Before the world awakes at midnight to a thousand rising suns?
It's a wonder people come here and leave here wondering why
Perhaps to say "I'm sorry" or just to say "Good-bye"
When our tours here have ended, and we've reached Heaven's dome
There will be no need for wondering when you bid us...
"Welcome Home!"
Randy Richmond June 6, 1996
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David Davis...a Waterloo Marine |
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