Things Worth Remembering

Of things felt worth remembering, my list is truly long
From moments of my childhood, to that last good book or song
The first things that I found I liked, and those liked not so well
My first attempts at trying things, the many times I failed

My first view of an ocean, and climbing my first tree
The little boy that lived next door, always teasing me
The first time I saw Santa, that first bright Christmas tree
The joy I felt to look beneath, and find a gift for me

The first day spent away at school, it seemed so far from home
Learning how to write my name, and reading my first poem
My first new box of crayons, and all the things I drew
The smile I put on mommy's face, when saying "IT'S FOR YOU!"

The first time that I fell in love, the girl I took to prom
Meeting friends from other lands, and learning where they're from
My many, many questions, always asking why
I always thought it seemed unfair, that people couldn't fly

Then my childhood ended, I went away to war
The wonders of my happy life, replaced by fears and horror
I lost my hope and freedom, when they told me I must go
To take up arms, and hate a man, I didn't even know

No more simple answers, to my simple question "why?"
For who can answer simply, why another man should die?
Why should I, who have no cause, to hate this foreign man
Think that I might have that right, when I invade his land

So yes I will remember, for I have earned that right
And I will always question, when we send our boys to fight
Who are these men who start these wars, and what's their reasons why
And why are they not right up front, when bullets start to fly?

My list will still continue, for I am blessed with life
Valuing the simple things, remembering the strife
And when I am complaining, of something I have lost
I'll think, and pause, to say a prayer, for those who paid the cost

A poem by Ken Asher a former Marine, Viet Nam Veteran Aug.10, 2005

excellent poem - straight from the heart.

I try to keep my views on these things to myself.Or I could possibly start a war here with every one's view or opinions,so I will same very well written and very true.God Bless all of you past,and present.

And the simple things are our greatest reminder my friend
Great read

Those are some of the things in life that are truly worth remembering.....Thanks for sharing my friend

You tear my heart out, beacuse i agree to many of our boys over seas thing the same way...I hear it from them daily....

Ken..whoa..my friend you have given me food for my soul..powerful words..thank you

Awesome once again

that poem is worth remembering -- thanks for sharing it