"Sharing can be a way of healing. Grief and loss can isolate,
anger even alienate. Shared with others, emotions unite
as we see we aren't alone. We realize others weep with us."
~Susan Wittig Albert

Through our writing, we walk out of the darkness into the light
together, one small step at a time, recording history, educating
America, and we are healing.
~CJ/Todd Dierdorff



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Children's Poem: "Daddy's Boots"

Will James' Dad

As many of you know, my son-in-law is a Marine Force Recon sniper. He has nearly seventeen years in now and will be leaving soon for yet another deployment, somewhere.

I wrote this poem for his oldest son, Will James, when he was about seven, because he had such a difficult time whenever his dad was away.

Will James is now sixteen, but he still has the poem in a frame on his dresser.

It doesn't matter where the conflict is, or when. War is war and it's difficult for everyone, but it's always hardest on the children ... 







Daddy's Boots
by CJ Heck

Daddy left his boots for me 
and here I have to stay. 
My daddy is a soldier. 
I’m in charge while he’s away. 

In Daddy’s boots, I can pretend 
that now I am the man 
who does the things that Daddy does 
as only Daddy can. 

I help with little brother, 
I help with folding clothes, 
I help to take the trash out, 
and I hope Daddy knows 

that every day I wear his boots 
so I’ll feel close to him
and I try to keep Mom happy, 
till he comes home again. 

I know that he’s protecting us, 
that’s what soldiers do, 
but his boots are way too big for me 
and my job, being him, is too. 

I wonder when he's coming home. 
I miss him ALL the time. 
Mom said Dad is proud of me 
and his boots fit me ... just fine.



“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale


Feel free to comment on this post. You are also invited to write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Memoirs From Nam is YOUR blog. You are writing America's history, sharing the truth about the Vietnam veteran, and what it was like in Our War.


6 comments:

  1. Love this ! Wish there was a way to post this on my face book so everyone could read the poem Daddy's Boots . Thank you from nc

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  2. First of all, thank you for your kind words -- I'm so glad you like the poem. Probably the best way is to just copy the link and post it on your FB page. Here is the link: http://memoirsfromnam.blogspot.com/2011/10/daddys-boots.html

    If you friend me on FB, I can then paste the poem on your FB page for you. Your choice.

    Thank you again!

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  3. This is a really nice poem. I hope you don't mind but, I posted it on Facebook (with credits going to you). I will look for you on Facebook when I have a little more time and maybe we can be friends. Thank you, Glen Scheer

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Glen. I feel honored that you posted it on FB. Being friends on FB would be nice - I would like that. Thanks again.

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  4. So very powerful. I also will share.

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    Replies
    1. You honor me, Colleen, thank you most sincerely.

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