tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9586146585109431572024-03-21T18:27:44.186-07:00SDBob's BlogPoetry is the music of the heart but it is also the cadence of the mind and spirit. I hope that my poetry uplifts, challenges, and most of all makes us aware of who we are and where we fit into this big world of ours.Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-35837430732410111682010-08-31T08:53:00.000-07:002010-09-01T08:50:10.337-07:00Death of a Hero - 2010<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">I had idols growing up as most boys do. I dreamed of playing baseball like Mickey Mantle or maybe even being President someday but family heroes were few and far between. I had a relative that was in the Air Force, a military officer. What boy is not mesmerized by seeing a man in a uniform with ribbons and shining brass? I held him higher than I should have and lately have come to understand once again that heroes are human too. They have their frailties and weak spots, as did this one. My sadness is not in revering him as much as I did but not understanding that there really are no heroes only people who look like them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">Death of a Hero<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Childhood days are spent in wonder</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we grow along each day</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And heroes pull our world asunder</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we travel on the way.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heroes are the glue that makes us</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dream and hope for bigger things</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But when they die by lies, mistrust</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pain lasts longer than the sting.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My hero was a military man</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He stood so straight and tall</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But underneath his kindly gaze</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He cast a frightening pall.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A family man was he to all</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Who saw, admired as he went</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Into our lives he came to call</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Into his family, came to rent.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For anger caused him to display</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A justice harsh and somewhat scary</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And children feared in great dismay</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And wept at loveless acts that varied.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He meted justice harsh and swift</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Loveless all within his plan</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Laid waste to all touched by his “gift”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The thunder rained from his right hand.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A childlike look has now been changed</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But to the right it seems</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My thoughts and praise now rearranged</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The ceasing of my childlike dream.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A hero’s death is most times sadness</p> <p class="MsoNormal">To gather to my in most being</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But reverence not to one so callous</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The pain now know was in the seeing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For to his pain he knows no glory</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But ill repute of harms he casts</p> <p class="MsoNormal">His death a welcome end of story</p> <p class="MsoNormal">His death erases from my past.</p>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-61800901899774354122010-08-29T19:47:00.000-07:002010-08-29T23:19:43.318-07:00A Sisterhood of Two - 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-8sDx9ucK1U4MbUNQ4NHnLwSHW5uGucKLRPMGIl6Ils2MOLbbsVQ19fnMGR5OGtOHXf8upfyn6SVoLDqNh07mRohfL0tZdVRXQ6tj04A5Yor9OvYsXEZdTYuU4YyvpcUuAfSvg-3gzrY/s1600/572307-ttwo+sisters+holding+hands.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-8sDx9ucK1U4MbUNQ4NHnLwSHW5uGucKLRPMGIl6Ils2MOLbbsVQ19fnMGR5OGtOHXf8upfyn6SVoLDqNh07mRohfL0tZdVRXQ6tj04A5Yor9OvYsXEZdTYuU4YyvpcUuAfSvg-3gzrY/s200/572307-ttwo+sisters+holding+hands.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511033465733117586" /></a><br />This was written with two sisters in mind, one born normally and the other with greater physical challenges in her life. It could be written for any brothers and sisters where one is so much more blessed physically than the other. Sometimes we get lost within the framework of our life and fail to see our own blessings in regards to another's misfortune. Call it pity, whatever, we need to continue to count our blessings and hold up those who are less fortunate that many times are holding us up silently with their love.<div><br /></div><div><b>A Sisterhood of Two</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">Not many years ago it seems</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Two girls were born with endless dreams</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And to them held a candle bright </p> <p class="MsoNormal">To shine forever through their night.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>One came small and tiny fair</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With eyes so blue and dark brown hair</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other came with love unmeasured</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Both to them their parent’s pleasure.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One was given gifts and more</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Than one could want to have in store</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other not as much for sure</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And not the kind that could endure.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For daily life is hard to plead</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When given less than what we need </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And to the other sun shone bright</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On endless days of moonlit nights.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For one had all she ever needed</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And to the other so not heeded</p> <p class="MsoNormal">That one should leave and other stay</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The leader path’s that led away.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And as she walked into the future</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One to lead and one to nurture</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For in the follower was given</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Something greater than in heaven.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For to them both a bond they share</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of love and honor, love filled care</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But more than that to them imbued</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A sister’s love a love for two.</p></div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-75420770621993672892010-01-12T09:49:00.000-08:002010-01-12T10:06:49.406-08:00Brotherhood - 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr6Hfa4NVotdDV46mIo7vWsQzfQQOy0F19lq3HeZJBvHQ63zs_Q1urJGb0__wbVpj2Spr-VIuVMSLBiqPBGpDORWIxNOwXAfTzdz0K13iDgCHfX873D9qxhzMNsKUwoSbA1cLmCl0iQ-1/s1600-h/Skip+and+friend.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX1TQNxU8jkDH3MtjEM5L3K0sABxaUC2AH_sTWVMWNIgAOnq76_DiVhzTEo0egjai2mc7-t9EEzjIU9b-0_oiGpij2LmKCk_u4QVP2yGPBHfpxglb_9H9ZDB4-EJyVd1hF0mfqYhX56ZF/s1600-h/Skip.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX1TQNxU8jkDH3MtjEM5L3K0sABxaUC2AH_sTWVMWNIgAOnq76_DiVhzTEo0egjai2mc7-t9EEzjIU9b-0_oiGpij2LmKCk_u4QVP2yGPBHfpxglb_9H9ZDB4-EJyVd1hF0mfqYhX56ZF/s200/Skip.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425914698930338898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZkDwcwXBW31k1w45FOQHwEQNxeKGXsMlBJKDbz7bKpcarC5XnymyrupDi8ma4-dUx3LFaK2Rq-Zu5dmjr8u7muJhG7LrDYzHb1AooABJqX_lRzUsrAti_zo8iEa05FRqLBffm7JkFIhr/s1600-h/westskip.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 97px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZkDwcwXBW31k1w45FOQHwEQNxeKGXsMlBJKDbz7bKpcarC5XnymyrupDi8ma4-dUx3LFaK2Rq-Zu5dmjr8u7muJhG7LrDYzHb1AooABJqX_lRzUsrAti_zo8iEa05FRqLBffm7JkFIhr/s200/westskip.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425914689673463346" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Dedicated to Skip West on his 61st birthday. His continued friendship, love and support have enriched the memories of my life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>Brotherhood</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">B<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">rotherhood is so much more</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Than time well spent in yonder days</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It is a bond we keep in store</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As we meander through our days.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It brings us memories of yore</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When times were simple to us still</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But as we age we find them more</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The pattern that is God’s own will.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For we have seen life at it best</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tasted every day its glory</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We’ve seen the sadness, our behest</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Every day has shown its story.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But through it all we stayed the course</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And held to us our boyhood bond</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For we are brothers, no remorse</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Today, tomorrow and beyond.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So wishes to you on this day</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Take them with you as you go</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Our bond is solid; let it stay</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">God’s will has ever made it so. </span></p>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-72102725074407238732009-12-31T07:57:00.000-08:002009-12-31T10:46:47.666-08:00I Remember<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhniGSoficGXtOIOWKBPlhp3mZ7H2s0hUzx3PF0IGXT-mdFZEwEJeRYC_XDVGxGd2DsGcA2UV_LsbOrXUemHSe99tgDhCNuWReOEtSTNf_6SEkn_LqFx2uYBFXNsWlrkgilV9w4OFEZAUR/s1600-h/Empty+swing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhniGSoficGXtOIOWKBPlhp3mZ7H2s0hUzx3PF0IGXT-mdFZEwEJeRYC_XDVGxGd2DsGcA2UV_LsbOrXUemHSe99tgDhCNuWReOEtSTNf_6SEkn_LqFx2uYBFXNsWlrkgilV9w4OFEZAUR/s200/Empty+swing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421432765017269602" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">In memory of Earl Stueve my best friend in grade school. I have so many memories of Earl and his love for insects and animals. He was a small but mighty person and he was my best friend during those years. Even though our lives have taken us different directions I will always remember those times and what his friendship meant to me. Rest in Peace, my good friend.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I Remember</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I remember days when we</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Were small and bounced on daddy’s knee</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And then we went to school one day</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And learned a different way to play.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I remember school friends when</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We played and learned the meaning then</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Of friendship, play and memories made</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">That last until this very day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For friendship need not be a day</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Or time when all we do or say</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The feelings that we showed back then</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When we were young and still best friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I will remember, always kept</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Within my heart like when we met</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On school ground swing set soaring high</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Into that endless blue filled sky.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For you are now within that sky</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">No longer here, no longer nigh</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But in my heart you’re memory so</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Like when we played so long ago.</span></p><p></p>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-74156607707063837552009-12-17T07:53:00.000-08:002009-12-17T08:18:15.922-08:00Honor Guard - 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdkNtTOFkdGxva8uDtukjEiFfd4yvFkVCh5Kl6sMeBlleoVTyA5sw9HWHsaVf7KuQyfS7VXaapyFw9KD-JLh0BfNq0JmKtCZ13simmAhezE7Cn9LZHqyJTtXX4XLn6ETcAnza_hnlv3n0/s1600-h/SilenceforDad-2-300x200.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416239678845925506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdkNtTOFkdGxva8uDtukjEiFfd4yvFkVCh5Kl6sMeBlleoVTyA5sw9HWHsaVf7KuQyfS7VXaapyFw9KD-JLh0BfNq0JmKtCZ13simmAhezE7Cn9LZHqyJTtXX4XLn6ETcAnza_hnlv3n0/s200/SilenceforDad-2-300x200.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Today I will serve on my first honor guard for VFW Post 12034 and this poem is not only to honor the veteran today but all of those who have gone on before. I am honored to serve.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Honor Guard</span><br /><br />Today I’ll stand next to your grave<br />An honor to be told<br />I’ll never know the service gave<br />By you in days of old.<br /><br />But today I’ll stand and honor you<br />I’ll never know the cost<br />You gave to us, you gave your due<br />The time to you was lost.<br /><br />The time with family, kids and wife<br />While serving far to our great cause<br />The days and hours of your life<br />Today I’ll stop and give you pause.<br /><br />To give you one more moment’s time<br />To honor you with humble heart<br />And raise salute and not opine<br />A Brother still and not to part.<br /><br />Rest well my brother, service done<br />Your time with us is now time past<br />But know your service to us won<br />A service that to us will last.</span> </div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-67274144246904868532009-12-07T09:47:00.000-08:002009-12-07T09:51:04.219-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqJdon0cr1x1hH29FkCebg3N9H3S9xx4MVMN3tOXuCoartak76QTlIjgvVakePZnmLItbjiV7C_0ADjxw1yCe9zfYwZNa83WivfVfXY6vwILCAJpKvoSX0waaWPT-ifmNIhdytp3vvuYI/s1600-h/Maddie+Easter.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 86px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412552962420315026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqJdon0cr1x1hH29FkCebg3N9H3S9xx4MVMN3tOXuCoartak76QTlIjgvVakePZnmLItbjiV7C_0ADjxw1yCe9zfYwZNa83WivfVfXY6vwILCAJpKvoSX0waaWPT-ifmNIhdytp3vvuYI/s200/Maddie+Easter.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">For my granddaughter, Maddie, on her 11th birthday.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">For My Maddie<br /></span><br />As you grow from young girl now<br />And see the future to unfold<br />Be not afraid but know somehow<br />Your presence here is to be bold.<br /><br />For you are here to serve a purpose<br />To guide, assist along life’s way<br />Deep to yourself and not the surface<br />Have truth in all you do and say.<br /><br />For life is but a blessing rendered<br />When you live a life well met<br />Of family, home and hearth most tender<br />A life well lived with no regret.<br /><br />So choose your friends and be most able<br />To serve your fellow man with care<br />And worry not for your own table<br />A life of love and care most fair.<br /><br />So grow my child and feel the rapture<br />And live so happy here to dwell<br />Let life be warm and in it capture<br />Life’s essence for you still to tell.</span> </div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-12982070673636881102009-11-11T19:23:00.000-08:002009-11-11T19:39:52.365-08:00Thank You - 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdLVaw9PEFUf_sot6huhVxN6Wlq8GIhbKGITt3vryNTgFu2bMKfA76GISxBLlJ-o_ifv27_wmH6ctwcZHQ45atXCDOTIpODOy3UK3rnduwbuJebtwVKjVEyhHmsiBlOrWep2S8bMrdnsj/s1600-h/Valor.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 91px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403056018750570498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdLVaw9PEFUf_sot6huhVxN6Wlq8GIhbKGITt3vryNTgFu2bMKfA76GISxBLlJ-o_ifv27_wmH6ctwcZHQ45atXCDOTIpODOy3UK3rnduwbuJebtwVKjVEyhHmsiBlOrWep2S8bMrdnsj/s200/Valor.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">For all those that have served this great country from its inception to today, Thank you for your sacrifice and call to duty. What you do is special to all of us and we honor you and carry you everyday in our hearts and minds.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank You<br /></span><br />Thank you for the years you’ve spent<br />In times of silent loneliness<br />In hell that gave you great torment<br />When time was spent in such distress.<br /><br />You spent your time in quiet pose<br />Eyes alert into the night<br />And watched the wall for unknown foes<br />And waited for a need to fight.<br /><br />You prayed for calm and knew the fear<br />That soon might be a time of fright<br />You sat and watched and lent an ear<br />In silence listened to the night.<br /><br />For those on watch are never resting<br />When they guard our peaceful homes<br />And when the time of greater testing<br />Brings to them a time unknown.<br /><br />For heroes know the price they pay<br />When they’re called into that moment<br />When called upon into the fray<br />They sit and watch the battle foment.<br /><br />Until they rise and forward go<br />With no regard as to their being<br />But go and fight against the foe<br />That finally is within their seeing.<br /><br />For warriors are not born, but made<br />When times is asked for them to spend<br />And so they go not unafraid<br />Our freedom’s peril, they must defend.<br /><br />Thank you from our heart’s recesses<br />For you have given us your all<br />To each brave soul He surely blesses<br />Our thanks will ever be our call.</span></div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-47975844975922352412009-10-21T11:10:00.000-07:002009-10-21T13:53:29.972-07:00Unknown Valor - 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzqyVuFDkK2IEjGaDaUycnGNwj26mj55RpazPhRtiTgRdlxhSv_5GOjpv14RHjGazaWkxDcHW_zlFnkNDvNpDMBX-ipwbCC2Mh_bUs6cPGT3amr3trp8dls8ub1X7PFJHC2fZwgCyM1Qn/s1600-h/Arlington.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395125374726146434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzqyVuFDkK2IEjGaDaUycnGNwj26mj55RpazPhRtiTgRdlxhSv_5GOjpv14RHjGazaWkxDcHW_zlFnkNDvNpDMBX-ipwbCC2Mh_bUs6cPGT3amr3trp8dls8ub1X7PFJHC2fZwgCyM1Qn/s200/Arlington.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA84jxO41V36Rebn-9cOnnl-bagMzZM2h6nTePYOMr0l4CSp9_AstHIz3YEkem8Cn1qyRxzuRjhdHRC5L9rTMbzrb5azh_0QL4z_7KmMUoTXhM7VhmMROlI9AIlUER6eruqMjZvwJRFHh/s1600-h/Arlington+headstone.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 96px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395125369686465474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA84jxO41V36Rebn-9cOnnl-bagMzZM2h6nTePYOMr0l4CSp9_AstHIz3YEkem8Cn1qyRxzuRjhdHRC5L9rTMbzrb5azh_0QL4z_7KmMUoTXhM7VhmMROlI9AIlUER6eruqMjZvwJRFHh/s200/Arlington+headstone.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">I recently rejoined the V.F.W. after many years of being away. As I have met the veteran's from so many different conflicts it made me think about all the veterans I will never meet, who have died serving our country. So much is made of heroes and rightly so, I think, but so little is said of our fallen heroes.They need to be remembered by all of us not just their family and friends. This poem is dedicated to Cory Hiltz, Kyle Colnot, Alfred Mac Wilson, Stephen Dowdell, Dennis Wayne Glenn and so many others that served and gave their lives in our country's defense. Let us not get bogged down in the politics of any war but rather remember those that served and gave their last good measure for us.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Unknown Valor</span><br /><br />The hero’s welcome loud and clear<br />Is heard from every realm<br />When passersby they lend an ear<br />To praise that overwhelms<br /><br />The honor and the glory held<br />By all who gather so to hear<br />The hero’s story always tell<br />Of courage in the face of fear.<br /><br />So honor heroes every one<br />And lift them to their risen place<br />For they have triumphed in the sun<br />Full honor to them by God’s grace.<br /><br />But hearken to another soul<br />Now lost to us in death’s dark pallor<br />Who gave a portion to the goal<br />And suffered harm to unknown valor.<br /><br />For heroes that have given all<br />And yet no praise is rendered<br />Are heroes still both standing tall<br />Deserve by us to be remembered.<br /><br />For glory is not the lesson here<br />Of throngs of cheering fans<br />But rather what was done in fear</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">To fight and help our fellow man.<br /><br />Remember more the one’s not seen<br />For this way pass they never will<br />For those alive they live the dream<br />For those now passed, forever still.<br /><br />Heroes both but different seen<br />Some are hailed and others dreamed<br />But both are worthy of our praise<br />Both are honored lifted, raised.</span></div></div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-75278473315550072482009-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:002009-07-04T10:52:41.579-07:00Independence - 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6U9eJTTZpGn7V70cBYESMIv8hiWbW1BKyK1I815RM_rKs0i14dL5rD7rhKb4fCIztb58ZG4wBeP_1yt3ZPygO-PboTR3JDC0qBKOUkYWgH0f_pR5ad-xtQss2Yq1yrVzU3dpVjgDCurf/s1600-h/Patriotic+picture.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354664310882328130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6U9eJTTZpGn7V70cBYESMIv8hiWbW1BKyK1I815RM_rKs0i14dL5rD7rhKb4fCIztb58ZG4wBeP_1yt3ZPygO-PboTR3JDC0qBKOUkYWgH0f_pR5ad-xtQss2Yq1yrVzU3dpVjgDCurf/s200/Patriotic+picture.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Independence<br /></span><br />July the 4th in that great year<br />Wise men assembled; wills so strong<br />A nation born they lived in fear<br />A land would prosper; us belong.<br /><br />They sacrificed their very lives<br />To give to us their best good measure<br />Today we live in freedom still<br />And lives that give to us great pleasure.<br /><br />For we are free to do our bidding<br />To travel, buy and give our heed<br />To venture, share and not be ridding<br />When our neighbor is in need.<br /><br />To reach out ‘cross the great divides<br />To our world that is so tired<br />Of famine, illness so derides<br />And souls in poverty still mired.<br /><br />America’s portion has been great<br />From the plate of bounty’s faire<br />And worried not for our own fate<br />Not always thanked for burdens shared.<br /><br />But still it works to be a wonder<br />For the world to see us gleam<br />When trouble breaks a soul asunder<br />Through war and evil nasty scheme.<br /><br />We are a city upon a hill<br />With gleaming towers to be seen<br />As people flock to see us still<br />And be a part of this great dream.<br /><br />So wrap the mantle of our love<br />‘round the shoulders of our friends<br />And make for us a bond above<br />And bless our freedom without end</span>.</div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-958614658510943157.post-33191515798504046382009-06-18T07:48:00.000-07:002009-06-19T16:15:59.252-07:00Veteran's Day - 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LN_2l6bLgxFIhryYHOxaPDsgUIvJXCmMapRhqZbNhTjzF69J2L_6UQHfULxfbJCrF44fx8EJSY7_bNgJ0ZehSvCvBaw80W_MGxC9wyVXSI5_aI6VGvg_1nYF9itaVOefjj-cDnPNw6EK/s1600-h/Memorial+flags.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349181371418709954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LN_2l6bLgxFIhryYHOxaPDsgUIvJXCmMapRhqZbNhTjzF69J2L_6UQHfULxfbJCrF44fx8EJSY7_bNgJ0ZehSvCvBaw80W_MGxC9wyVXSI5_aI6VGvg_1nYF9itaVOefjj-cDnPNw6EK/s320/Memorial+flags.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">This poem is either a little late or a little early for Veteran's Day but it is an important day to me. Obviously, it does not rank right up there with Christmas and other more socially enjoyed holidays but as a veteran and knowing many veterans; I know how little we have been honored for the lost days and years of our youth. Many of us chose to serve but many were drafted some in acceptable wars and others in wars that were not popular. We should always remember the person who served and not the cause because the cause will fade away but the veteran who stood tall for America should always be remembered for the sacrifice that they made for all of us. I would also like to say that I hold the service of women in a high state also and humbly ask that any reference to men be also recognized to their equally important sacrifices that have been made on behalf of the American people.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Veteran’s Day<br /></span><br />Many came into that day<br />With hearts still young and on their way<br />To serve a cause their souls to soar<br />And wait for futures still in store.<br /><br />So solders, sailors, different roles<br />They came to give and stories told<br />Of their great service to us all<br />In olden days to be recalled.<br /><br />For travel o’er the world to see<br />And fight for honor and to bleed<br />And many gave their very best<br />Returned in honor to their rest.<br /><br />Our country honor to them praised<br />Families loved and honor raised<br />In resting places, flag adorned<br />A place of triumph; not forlorn.<br /><br />For valor seen through these great men<br />Is seen today in foreign lands<br />And yet the men of prior wars<br />Stand watch over these men of yours.<br /><br />For honor, country to the fight<br />Many of them received their plight<br />But lost to us is to our gain<br />Their service given in our name.<br /><br />So Veterans to your service render<br />America salutes you and remembers<br />That you gave to her your best<br />Thankful for your return or rest. </span></div>Bob Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06112232269541207895noreply@blogger.com0