Four Winds Came Blowin' In

by William Snead

Poem


They Were Warriors First

by Matthew Davison

Prose


Sergeant Mackey

by Dwight Jenkins

Poem


The Gates of Nothingness

by Ben Hawkins

Poem


Somewhere a Woman Is Building an Ark

by Louise Eisenbrandt

Poem


A Knock on the Door

by Diane Wasden

Prose


What Is a King

By Deborah Cole, Army

Writing Type: Array

By Deborah Ann Cole
VA Medical Center--Kansas City, MO  

"What is a king," I asked myself one day.

As I was dazing at the sky, thanking God for his amazing grace,

I thought hard about what a king must wear.

Then it came to me that his crown shows magnificent courage

   and the sacrifice that a king must bear.

The crown will hold so many priceless and beautiful gems.

He lets his people know courageously and Indubitably

   that he would be the one to lead them.

The next thing that a king wears is his mantle or robe

which symbolizes his authority. Of course, it’s made of satin,

   sapphire and gold.

I asked God above, “What is the purpose of a king in my life?”

And God answered me and said, “My king will keep you

   from harm and strife.

A king must uphold the law, keep peace and be equally fair.

A king will protect his people from harm and despair.”

I asked my friends if any of them had ever met a king.

I did! I did but I can’t tell you his name until this story ends.

I thought over and over, wondering in my head,

   if I ever met a king,

someone who has royalty running through his veins.

I thought about my son and all the magnificent things

   he has done.

I begin to hear a whisper in my ear that told me

   he was the One.

I was told that a king carries a legacy

   and I believe this is true.

And, Chris, your legacy gives me the strength and courage

   to continue and pursue.

 

Dedicated to my son Christian Harris 1988-2021.

                                             






Notes: This poem means a lot to me. My son was strong and dedicated. He beat all odds by beating leukemia. He graduated from high school and went on to raise his daughter and son until that fateful day that he overdosed from Fentanyl and depression. May Chris rest in peace.

They Were Warriors First

by Matthew Davison

Prose


Sergeant Mackey

by Dwight Jenkins

Poem


A Place Where Soldiers Go

by Paul Gonzales

Poem


Combat Nursing

by Louise Eisenbrandt

Prose


This Road I Am On

by David Marchant

Poem


The Turret Guard

by Jack Tompkins

Sketch