That’s Pete and myself 20 years ago.
Today I walked the rail alone, because Pete had to ride.
It was a beautiful coach and everything;
He always looked his best in his dress blues.
It was a beautiful spring morning then too.
The ground was soft that morning and fruitful;
The worms we got were huge and the trout ate em up.
Almost as big as the ones crawling out from under that tarp.
I brought this picture today to remember important things.
Pete’s sacrifice is obvious and full of meaning.
What’s not so obvious is that
Pete greased the last three feet of that rail.
© 2011 Michael Yost
The photographer’s name is Laura Poland, 317.201.5606 website http://reflectedspectrum.com/blog/indianapolis-portrait-photography/elliot-jonah-fall-portraits/
Pete is everyone’s brother, son and father
http://perainopoetry.blogspot.com/p/in-memory-of-our-fallen-soldiers.html
Michael's Lair 
wow.
powerful
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I followed Kellie’s instructions and cried.
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“I brought this picture today to remember important things. ”
Maybe that is why photography is such a huge hobby. People want help remembering the important things. Sometimes, though, the important things are in the stories that you tell. Your story was very moving.
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Thank you Terri. Things flow well some days.. even tears.
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simply beautiful..
Happy Friday!
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Thanks Ji.
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oh my gosh Michael! this is so touching. so nostalgic. so lovely. i am in awe. its one of the most beautiful stories i have ever read. so truly happy you joined in on FWF! Cant wait to read next weeks entry! 🙂 Thank you for your participation!
Kellie
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It was the picture that started it all. You keep finding winners like that one for inspiration you should get numerous stories from all of us. Thanks for your comments they mean.. well you know what they mean.. ..smiles..
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Touching inspirations creating story to remember! Thanks for sharing this!
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Thanks for commenting and visiting.
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Hello, how are you?
Simply want to check out on you and offer you our greatest appreciation for your support to potluck poetry. You rock!
Reminder: week 18 Theme: Languages, Signs and Symbols
The more you share, the happier we are. Plan ahead and have your entry poem. We are open Sunday 8pm, American Central time, linking in early would benefit your work with more encouragements.
Hope to see you on Sunday at: http://jinglepoetry.blogspot.com/
Let me know via email if you have questions or doubts.
Again, we treasure your participation and would be great to see you again on week 18.
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Will be there.
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Lovely write, thanks for sharing!
Happy Weekend!
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And to you.. Never did figure out that riddle..
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How funny, we both made references to fish in our free writes! This was just lovely!
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Seen yours and agree great minds think alike!
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I was moved by the sentiments shared in your poem. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thanks David. Completely off the cuff. I need to do that more.
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The picture and the words – so touching.
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If it wasn’t for the picture none of the words would have flowed as easily as they did. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
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Those last two lines just make the whole poem for me — that’s where you really find out what made Pete “Pete” – love it.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Stunning! This is just so raw and so moving. You told such a beautiful story in a few words.
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Thanks for your thoughts.
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Dear and tender and again poem or pic first. Either way, fine poem. Excellent post. Blog on …
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Pic first, words close on the heels. Couple of personal events set the fuse and the muse.
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That’s a searingly beautiful portrait with a touch of humor right at the end. I could tell you were talking about a death right away. “Because Pete had to ride” was a lovely way to put it. And him greasing the rails is really funny. A wonderful memory of your friend.
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I’m happy you enjoyed the piece.
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Wow. That’s really incredible stuff. Thank you for leading us here.
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Glad you liked it.
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Thank you for posting, I enjoyed it! Great Imagery.
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You’re welcome and it was my pleasure.
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By the way, I have just added a badge to the “poetry for wounded warriors” page. If you’d like you can add it to your blog post. It is located on the bottom of the page.
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I’ll try.
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remarkable.
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Thanks.
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very sweet and inspiring entry.
🙂
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Thanks Natalie.
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Pingback: Jingle Poetry At The Gooseberry Garden: Poetry Picnic Week 25 … | Poetry
It really needs the picture to work.
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Ugh, I got all teary eyed… This is so beautifully written, Michael!
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Sorry Dana. Happy to see you stop by though. Thanks.
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That is the most beautiful thing I have ever read.
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Thank you sir. Gratitude accepted and given.
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