Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Special Feature--Then On--By Rene F. Dufresne (In Memory 1917-1998)--United States

Then On

To the end of their lives
these Soldiers fought,
to protect their loved ones
from the axis thoughts.

Past these very graves,
the trail leads on.
It guides their comrades
to the attack at dawn.

As each buddy passes by,
he stops, bows his head
and says a prayer..
Then on to do his share.

Corporal in WW2
Circa 1943


Thoughts from Robert Dufresne, his son--This poem was recently found by my sister in an old trunk.  It was written by our father, Rene F. Dufresne, while serving in the armed forces in the front lines during WW2. He always was poetic bent but never had the time to develop it. God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.

13 comments:

  1. Dear Robert,

    Thank you so much for sharing your father's poem with the Whispers community. The emotion flows through the words in a profound way. Very moving. I hope this special feature is an honor to him and meaningful to you and your family.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  2. Robert, thank you for sharing your father's poem. I could feel the emotion in it and what a wonderful memory you have in this poem, of your father's, as well as his love for his fallen comrades in arms and devotion to our country. A heart of gold your father had. I loved the poem.
    Charlene

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  3. What a tribute. Your Father was gifted. I have a feeling that he didn't write more because others might have thought it was silly. A small poem but speaks to the reader.

    God Bless!

    Shirley Smothers

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  4. Thank you, Beth Winchcombe, for the following comment--

    Dear Karen,

    This is such a moving poem Karen, could you pass my best wishes on to Robert for me.

    Many thanks
    Beth.

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  5. A great treasure Robert. My father was there in 1917 and1918. Your father's poem makes me think of the great poem Flanders Field, the 2nd paragraph reads

    "We are the Dead. Short days ago
    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
    In Flanders fields.

    Flanders Field was t written by Lt. Col John McCrae, a Canadian physician and poet who died in January 1918 of pneumonia. Your father's poem has the same great emotion and imagery, thank you for posting it on Whispers. Robert Hewett USA

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  6. Thank you, Isha Wagner, for the following comment--

    This poem (to me) is written in an extremely genteel style or way with words expressing the horror and futility of grown-up men defending their loved ones in a far off country although I doubt this is in their minds when on the battlefield. The idiocy of men killing each other is above rhyme or reason.

    Kind regards.
    Isha Wagner

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  7. Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--

    Robert: Thanks for sharing your father’s moving poem

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  8. Dear Rob,

    It must have been wonderful to find this incredible poem. So many lives were lost in WW2, but the dedicated armed forces persevered. I really like the way he described this. You are obviously influenced by your father's poetic talent. Excellent poem! Hugs and blessings, Carolyn D.

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing such a heart felt poem

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  10. Dear Robert -

    What a wonderful relic for you and your sister. I feel privileged that you have shared his poem with us; it surely is eternal written with the sensitivity of one who has the experience. Who knows what else might have poured from his pen?

    love,
    Kathy

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  11. Robert, your poem, or your father's poem, is very touching and so sad, too. It is an honor to have the privilege to read such a family treasure which becomes an eternal and spiritual expression. It is a treasure that should be framed and hung upon a very special wall. I am so grateful and so blessed you posted this meaningful and heartfelt poem. Thank you for sharing, it is an honor to read! Sheri

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  12. Robert, thank you for this beautiful poem by your father. It is very uplifting and inspirational. I also appreciate his service to this country. Continued blessings to you and your family.

    -Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
    TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
    www.tgbtgpublictions.com

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  13. Its so lovely finding a long-forgotten piece such as this. Treasure! Authentic writing. So pleased I stopped by. Thank you. Ralph

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