I found my dad's manuscript of poetry he wrote over the years

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

He wrote a lot of poetry in his younger days-- I think I inherited a bit of that from him. I never personally cared a lot for his style-- at times he could almost break the laws of nature to fit a rhyme together, and much of the time it showed. However, he did have a lot of insights-- he was a brilliant man-- and much of what he said and wrote was good, if not great. In his latter years his local newspaper gave him a weekly "poetry corner" where he could publish what he would, and he finally had a chance to give his works a wider forum. In the process he also published much of my work, most of it without my knowledge.

This is one of his poems that I thought should be revived and cast into the winds of the world. I hope you enjoy it.
-----

IN MEMORIUM
(John Fitzgerald Kennedy 1917-1963)

Though born to the privilege of wealth,
He learned his sacred obligations
And though practiced in the arts of culture
He knew the rigors of mortal combat.

While tutored in the realm of masters,
He spoke the common vernacular
And though a political tactician,
He was a statesman in the truest sense.

Although faithful in divine worship,
He surmounted spiritual intolerance
And when called an impractical dreamer,
He held unswerving to convictions.

Sure of our fundamental soundness,
He restrained factions of dissention
And rebuked by those of self-esteem,
He held steadfast to splendid visions.

Though living in an earthbound era,
He envisioned new celestial highways
And, confronted by power of man’s demise,
He held the demon, made it docile.

In the fullness of youthful vigor,
He was ageless in patient wisdom
And though devoid of commanding stature,
He walked abreast of earthly giants.

Felled on the field of testing,
He now rests beneath a flame eternal,
A true hero in our best tradition,
He finds camaraderie with our finest.

Though we now feel the mists of darkness,
He has rekindled fires of greatness
And from vigil on the Columbian panorama
He awaits the melding of our nation!

Clarence William Hessler

[annabanana]

1. thank you

that is a touching and tender tribute...

[wellstone dem]

2. That is powerful

your Dad was a talented man. Thanks for sharing this.

[classof56]

3. Beautiful, moving and a wonderful tribute to JFK.

Your dad is a wonderful wordcrafter. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

5. He passed away about two years ago

He was awarded the Purple Heart in WWII- him and a buddy found themselves in a minefield in the heart of Italy. His buddy tripped a Bouncing Betty and did not survive- my father caught a chunk of shrapnel from it that he carried inside his body until he died. He called it "Hitler's little gift".

I can hear him turning in his grave over what is happening-- the blood they spilled for America has been rendered impotent.

[spuddonna]

4. That's beautiful! Thank you for sharing! :)

It's also a reminder that one of the greatest attributes of our nation used to be our yearning, our striving for a higher ideal - whether it was in science, politics, medicine, etc... The only thing I see corporations and this administration striving for is a bigger piece of the $$$ pie...

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

6. My favorite memory of him and me together

was the night Neil Armstrong took the first step onto the moon. My dad and I sat alone in the darkened living room and watched it happen. Afterward, we went out into the back yard and stared up at the moon high in the sky. I could have almost sworn I saw them up there, walking around.

I was 14 years old.

[spuddonna]

7. That's so cool...

He sounds like a really wonderful person... Anyone who wrote so well must have had a great analytical, and compassionate mind! :)

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. Clarence William Hessler, Gifted poet!

That was beautiful. Your dad was a wonderful writer. You should be proud. Thank you for posting that.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

9. Late nite kick

:bounce:

[Eloriel]

10. Nominated

Thanks.