USA Patriotism! ... "Showcasing Pride of America"USA Store! ... American / Patriotic themed gift products at USA Patriotism!

Home - Articles - Heroes - Photos - Poems - Stories - Students - Music - Videos
Quotes - Speeches - References - Great Patriots - Honor Halls - Stars for Troops
USA's Birth - New Content - About - Contact - Press - CureNow - Donate - Privacy

Click To Google Search USA Patriotism!
USA Patriotism! YouTube ChannelJoin / Like the USA Patriotism! Facebook pagePinterestLinkedInUSA Patriotism! Instagram ChannelUSA Patriotism! On TwitterUSA Patriotism! at Flickr

Patriotic Poems
Troops & Veterans
Patritoic USA and Military Gifts from The Bradford Exchange Tough Tex USA Flag
 
Collectibles, apparel, and other gifts ... for Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and veterans!  
 

By Mark I. Kirkmeyer || Poem Categories

Sound Ignites Memories country as flag
The sound is unmistakable
Four turbo-prop engines
Power down, flaps extended
Holding just over a stall
Air bouncing off dirty surfaces
Passing over at 500 feet
It's approaching the local airport
Memories spring into life
The sound pierces the sky
The soldier on guard knows
White parachutes bloom
Behind the passing plane
Sixty-four troops land
Darkness fills the bay
Drone of engines change
Green light shines
Troopers run through the door
The whistle of wind
White sand meets black sky
Hit the ground hard
Drug across sand and rock
Quick release pulled
Parachute blows free
Roll up to knees
More chutes dragging troopers
Run and grab the apex
A friend's chute collapses
75% casualties on the DZ
They were the best of times
They were the worst of times
By Mark I. Kirkmeyer
Copyright 2004
Listed January 30, 2013

About Author... Mark Kirkmeyer served as a Light Weapons/Medical Specialist in the U.S. Army (1983-88), the U.S. Army Reserve (1988-1992), and the California National Guard (1992-1995). He is Gulf War Veteran (1991) and served in Korea (1986-87).

It is illegal to use this poem without the author's permission.
~~ Send your comments and/or use permission request to Mark I. Kirkmeyer ~~

Poem Use Permission Request
USA Patriotism! cannot provide use permission for a poem or an author's email address if not listed below the poem. Only the author or a legal representative can grant permission. Try a search engine to find the author's contact information for a use permission request or if it is available for public use.
Note: Poems authored in the 1700s and 1800s can be used with reference to the author.

Comment on this poem

USA Gifts Store! ... over 1,000 American / Patriotic themed products at USA Patriotism! USA / Americana theme ... polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, hats, caps, swimwear, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, jackets, under garments, and other apparel items American Pride: Poems Honoring America and Her Patriots! by David G. Bancroft
Troops and Veterans Poems | Poem Categories