Vietnam Veterans Memorial [15 Words or Less]

Hello, and welcome! This is 15 Words or Less Poems, a low-pressure way to wake up your poetry brain (guidelines here), and I’m very glad you’re here. 

Vietnam War Memorial
Photo: Laura P. Salas

I’ve been to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC several times, and I’m moved by it every time. Like many things that lend themselves to poetry, it feels too big for words.

This image makes me think of several things:

  1. names
  2. vampires
  3. how used we get to things that are extraordinary

And here’s my first draft. 

vietnam-veterans-memorial

 

NOTE: I’m doing a poetry residency at an elementary school all week, so I’m not going to be able to comment on poems. I’ll be reading them, but I can’t respond.

It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count.)

 

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12 Responses

  1. Your poem is so powerful, Laura!

    A Being
    A Bone
    A Bump on stone
    Beyond us, lives forever roam

    1. Oh, that word stone.…I love it in just about any poem. Great sounds in this.

  2. Oh, my. What a photo prompt. Yes, those names.…etched so sharp. Beautiful poem, Laura.

    My attempt:

    Vietnam Memorial Wall

    Poems weep–
    reflectionsin puddles,
    wet sidewalk,
    polished
    black granite
    alonein the rain
    cold.

  3. Belated Gratitude

    Unknown-
    now honored and
    respected,
    no longer rejected.

    Thank you.

  4. I could not decide. But the image of all the names ON the image of people was so strong…I still am not done. There is more it seems to this image. It could easily be a book cover.

    names
    reflections of time
    tell us to remember
    not them
    but why.

    we are
    as much a part
    of them
    as they are
    of us.

    by Donna JT Smith ©2019

  5. I love the etching line Laura and the way you captured your images in the photo. My poetry is based on my younger brother’s service during the Vietnam War. He returned a functioning vegetable of sorts; his friend
    since childhood committed suicide upon his return.

    Sacrifices

    Ultimate sacrifice recorded,
    death so others live.
    Survivors live
    but with nothing more to give.

  6. Powerful poem Laura, that you captured suscinctly.

    Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    Bodies and souls of those remembered,
    Lie engrained and written
    In our responsibility…
    Michelle Kogan

  7. poem By Jessica Bigi

    A Poets word for A Veteran

    No reflections of words
    mathematics the freedom you give
    you have give life
    you life can not be replace Thank You

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