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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
The Secret Place (A Soldier’s Dream)

Last night I dreamed I was home again,
Away from the fear and strife,
Back to the place where my loved ones wait
And keep vigil for my life.

I looked around, from the eastside aisle.
I clearly was not alone.
Though no one noticed me, yet I stood
Surrounded by living stones.

The church was full; people rose to sing.
I searched for a place to sit.
Just one seat empty, but left behind
This coat looked a perfect fit.

I moved to take the spot there for me,
And sat in the coat’s embrace.
Such warmth it gave as it wrapped me ‘round,
What comfort, what peace and grace!

The white-haired warriors, frail but strong,
Raised voices in songs of praise.
Their stance, so straight, seemed beyond assault,
Their hedge blocked the devil’s plays.

Just like that coat, prayer enveloped me.
I knew from this erstwhile dream,
I did not go to the fight alone.
With me, God sent hosts unseen.

Though I am a soldier far from home,
In step with my own platoon,
He covers me, as my people pray,
Secure in His sure cocoon.

----------------
Poem based on an actual dream I had after my reserve unit was mobilized for Desert Storm.
Many of us carried a small devotional book prepared for the troops based on Psalm 91.
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This article has been read 2286 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
david grant
06/08/06
This is marvelous! This should be spammed to every one to encourage them to pray for our sons and fathers sacraficially putting them in harmsway for us. Thank you for sharing this. One of Dave's favs for sure!
Kevin Kindrick
06/09/06
Truly amazing. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us, as you shared a larger piece with the nation in the desert.

God bless,

Kevin
Ann FitzHenry
06/09/06
This poem is a real masterpiece. It's so fitting for what is happening in our world today. Great writing. I've been touched. :-)
Kaylee Blake 
06/12/06
Wow! I loved this! This is a work of art (Well, I'm not sure how much that means to you considering the fact that I'm not what one would call a poetry connosuir, and yes, I know I butchered that word; where's the spell check on this thing?...)
Sandra Petersen
06/12/06
There is much in this poem to be pondered. The protection that cloaks a loved one when those in his or her home church intercedes! Thank you for sharing your dream in this way!
Jan Ackerson
06/12/06
This is wonderful--the metaphor of the coat is perfect for this topic. I'm glad that your dream stayed with you so that you could bless us with this poem.
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
06/13/06
You did a great job here. You never missed a beat. Loved it.
Helen Paynter
06/13/06
Well-constructed poem. I like the coat analogy. Good job.
dub W
06/13/06
I too enjoyed the metaphor, pretty good work overall, a prosody hickup a couple of times, but for this type of poem the rhythm held beautifully.
Trina Courtenay
06/14/06
I loved this! :) Hope to see "both titles" in the winner's circle.

Blessings on your writing.
Trina
Jen Davis
06/14/06
Very well done. I especially loved the wording of the fourth stanza. This poem is a true inspiration. Great writing!
George Parler 
06/14/06
This tugs at several different heart stings at the same time. Well done!
Rita Garcia
06/14/06
Well done! Heartfelt!
Sherril Wendling
06/15/06
Edy, what a wonderful metaphor--a coat of prayer! I love the "white-haired warriors," too, comparing the spiritual fighters with the military defenders. But especially powerful is your comment at the end. It gives me bumps to think God sent you that dream just before your mobilization! Beautiful poem, and so appropriate. BTW, THANK YOU, VALIANT ONE, FOR SERVING!!!
Marilyn Schnepp 
06/15/06
So beautiful! So touching. I'll have to use that overused word - Awesome! Great job, super message and I loved it! Kudos!
Valora Otis
06/19/06
Dear Minnesota friend. This poem was a blessing from beginning to end! You are an amazing writer! God bless you for your efforts on our behalf. Thank you for sharing a dream with deep personal, spiritual meaning.