This poem is a tribute to my step-pa, Ray Brown, who is on his way to DC to take part in Rolling Thunder Inc.’s 25th anniversary of their Memorial Day Demonstration in Washington, D.C., May 25-27, 2012. Ray is an army veteran, and this is a once in a lifetime trip for him. May the Lord ride with him, providing good weather, safe passage, and a wonderful time with other riders and veterans on the road, and in our nation’s capital! Roll on, Ray Brown! You da man!
The Thunder Rolls
He grew up in a small town
Or a big city
Maybe even on a farm
The important thing was he grew up free
He was born in the U.S.A.
Maybe he didn’t know God
Not personally anyway
But he knew about Him
Because he heard his name everyday
When he said the pledge to the flag
He graduated from high school
In the mid sixties
Good grades, but not great ones
Looked at his chances; slim and none
Then signed the papers and went to war
I remember being really scared
He says, eyes wide and wet
Talking about foxholes and gunfire
Sleeping in mud and sweat
Hugging a rifle to his chest
Came home to angry mobs
No jobs, no one glad to see him
Dreamed of riding a Harley
Away from it all
Wanting the freedom he thought he’d fought for
Life was a struggle
But he fought on
Keeping his dreams inside
Never let them see you cry
Make no sounds, lest the enemy hear you
He made it
Not in a big way by the worlds standards
But big enough for him
Finally bought that Harley at sixty-one
Then hit the road for DC at sixty-three
An old man riding his dream
To the place where the memories live
The wall filled with names
Of those who didn’t come home
It is for them, the thunder rolls
Copyright © 2012 C. Mashburn
All Photographs by Ray Brown – Vietnam vet and American hero
Sharing this with the good folks at dVerse Poets Pub, for Victoria’s Memorial Day – Poetry Prompt
Buy "Be Still" from WestbowPress.com
Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still... and know that I am God" 
Sherry Mashburn said
Great!! Good pic of Ray, too. Let that thunder roll.
charlesmashburn said
He’s a movin on down the road!
Good News said
This is great Charles… I really Like this… Blessings.. Bro Pat.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Bro Pat! I’m glad you like it!
brian miller said
smiles…much to like of the man and also what he worked for , for himself and for all of us…nice character sketch…and i hope he has a great ride to honor those names…
charlesmashburn said
The poem is a tribute to Ray, but it is also all inclusive, and the guy I talk about is a composit of every kid who grew up in the sixties and went off to that god-awful war.
Thanks for the comment, Brian! Much appreciated!
brian miller said
remember this from the other day…thank god for men and women like ray…that were willing…happy memorial day man…
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for stopping by again, Brian!
claudia said
so very cool…love that he bought that harley finally..that he finally rides his dream..hope he’s having a great time in D.C. and hope you gonna read that poem to him as well…
charlesmashburn said
He’s already seen the poem; said it brought a tear to his eye. I told him, “Nah, Ray Brown. You prolly juss run into a bug.” He’s a wonderful man.
Thanks for the visit and kind words, Claudia! Me & Ray appreciate them!
Daydreamertoo said
So glad he finally got to realise a dream. They were treated so badly when they came home from Vietnam. It’s not much better now either.
Great writing Charles. Lovely tribute to a true Vet!
charlesmashburn said
He IS a true vet, and he seldom gets the respect and honor he deserves. He’s worked hard his whole life, and he’s done the right things. There should be a wall somewhere to put the names of guys like Ray Brown on.
Thanks for the wonderful comment, Daydreamer.
Victoria C. Slotto said
This really touched me, Charles. It hurts me to think what our Nam vets went through…both in the war and after. I’ve cared for them (in nursing) over the years and, as you know, their wounds go far deeper than the surface. Not sure if this is the same group, but some of them rumbled through Reno last week on their way to DC. Bravo to all of them who found this comfort/freedom.
charlesmashburn said
I’ve had reports of them rumbling through many places this past week, Victoria. They go to DC to do a good work, and should be saluted for it. These are the guys who fought for the freedoms we so easily partake of. Some of them went through hell,then came back to jeers, no jobs, and loneliness. Many of them have nightmares to this day of the horrors they endured. I could go on, but I’d just get all wound up.
Thank you so much for the heartfelt comment!
Jody Lee Collins said
Charles–this is so powerful, especially the last line. My husband is a vet, also, from the Vietnam era….maybe some day WE can get to D.C. for Memorial Day.
charlesmashburn said
My hat is off to your husband, Jody Lee! I hope someday you and he get to make the trip.
Thank you for the visit and comment!
tashtoo said
Okay…so we’ve got tears AND smiles with this one Charles! What a wonderful tribute…and to see such a sincere dream, grounded in the heart of a man, obtained…gives all of us hope…and perhaps a pause to consider those dreams we’re really dreaming. Got a feeling a few will be switching up their priorities after reading this one. Loved it!
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Tash. I appreciate the heartfelt comment. Lots of emotion in this one; I was sobbing when I finished. I’m an old softie when it comes to these men and wommen who go to far off places and suffer so we can be free and live this life of ease we’ve been given.
Laurie Kolp said
Amazing how he recaptured the freedom so many years later. Goes to show you dreams never die and (good or bad) memories are life-sustaining.
charlesmashburn said
He, and so many others, never gave up, Laurie. Many fought all kinds of adversity, but with a strong work ethic and a good moral base, they rose to the top. That’s Ray Brown! What a guy!
Ray said
Thanks to all that commented I am truly touched as Charlie said right now I have a lot of bugs in my eyes I am really enjoying this trip thank you
charlesmashburn said
We love ya, Ray Brown!
For those who might not get it, I have addressed Ray as “Ray Brown” as long as I’ve known him. Just one a them weird things I do!
Mary said
Charles, this brought tears to my eyes. Those vets were so unappreciated, in fact often despised for being in a war so many were against (even though it wasn’t the vets’ fault). I am glad that your friend came home alive and also that he has his Harley and is living his dream. When, if not now???
charlesmashburn said
It’s a dream come true for Ray, Mary. He just called me, and he’s having a wonderful time. Got into some rain in Tennessee, but he’s going to wole up at hotel there, and hit the road again in the morning.
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment!
Audrey Howitt said
I loved this in the way that I love the desire to feel free of life’s constraints–It spoke to me!
charlesmashburn said
This week, Ray Brown is free as a bird on a blacktop highway. A once in a lifetime experience for a once in a lifetime guy!
Thanks, Audrey! We appreciate the visit and comment!
Heaven (@asweetlust) said
What a lovely tribute ~ I hope he finds the closure and keep the memories alive in his heart ~
Happy day to you ~
charlesmashburn said
I don’t know that the wounds these men carry can ever truly be closed, but maybe they can find some peace in the exercise of honoring their fallen brothers.
Thanks for the visit and kind words, Heaven!
chris said
A great tribute to Ray Brown and to all the others like him. Operation Rolling Thunder was supposed to demoralise the Northerners, but I think a lot of the men who flew it came home just as demoralised, especially when they came back to such a negative reception. And they lost so many of their fellow men on those missions. Those guys were really stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hooray for Ray Brown riding the blacktop on his Harley.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the awesome comment, Chris! We appreciate it very much! And I agree; Hooray for Ray Brown!
Truedessa said
Hi,
I liked the flow of this as it told a story.. the fight for freedom abroad and within..I am sure the ride was exhilarating and liberating but, I’ve seen the wall of names and that does bring tears.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I did try to make it read like a story, and I’m pleased you see it. I’ve never seen the wall, but know some of the men whose names are on it. I need to go one of these days.
leahJlynn said
My heart goes for this poem. my goodness thank you for this wonderful write. Blessings
,http://leah-jamielynn.typepad.com where my dVerse poem is at
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much, Leah! I’m glad it touched you. It was a very emotional writing experience for me.
siggiofmaine said
WoW….Awesome and wonderful words of tribute to Ray Brown, his Harley and the men of war. I also, like Victoria, nursed the men of war…
at the Veteran’s Home in Bangor, and know some who can’t understand why their efforts were so negatively received. May the Harley’s roll on with Ray Brown’s of the world … I’ll think of them as the Harley’s roll by my house this weekend
I hope I expressed myself clearly…this is such a wonderful tribute.
Peace,
Siggi in Downeast Maine
charlesmashburn said
You expressed yourself wonderfully, Siggie. And Ray Brown, and I really appreciate the kind words.
shanyns said
So good, really really well written tribute!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Shanyns!
ordinarylifelessordinary said
Echoes from another time, really enjoyed this. My favourite line? ‘Looked at his chances, slim and none’ love that! Sorry I didn’t get over sooner, am up to my eye balls in writing stuff so am trying to dip and in out and work my way through the list over the next few days.
charlesmashburn said
Busy busy busy! Slow down, kiddo! It will all get done!
Thanks for the fly by and the comment! 🙂
(If you have time , I will have a guest post story on the Blissful Adventurer again today. I think the story will make you smile! Watch for it at about 10:15 this morning!
ordinarylifelessordinary said
Ohh am intrigued, dont know if you saw my short story a day or two ago but I posted it assuming I hadn’t been shortlisted and now I have just heard that the winners haven’t been notified yet and I may have just blown my chances… doh!
charlesmashburn said
Oh no! I must have missed it somehow. I’ll check it out in just a bit!
ordinarylifelessordinary said
Just took it down in a panic, will repost next week… oops, that’ll teach me.
charlesmashburn said
okay! I’ll be watching for it!
Alex Dissing said
Great tribute for a man that seems worthy of such. I hope he gets to see this, it’s fabulous. “Wanting the freedom he thought he’d fought for” … loved that line.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the awesome comment, Alex!
Yes, Ray has already seen it, and is much appreciative, not only of the poem, but all the great comments.
He is absolutely worthy!
Sharp Little Pencil said
Charles, excellent tribute paid to a man who’s worth his salt. I am a pacifist who NEVER put down the troops and still don’t. As much as I am opposed to war, I honor every member who’s ever donned a uniform and put themselves in harm’s way. It is not contradictory! Also, I had a pen pal in school, a soldier whose name I grabbed out of a bag… we began a correspondence, and my mom joined in. Paul King was MIA until three years ago, his remains finally identified, and now his name is on the Wall. What a tragedy that the troops were treated so disrespectfully when they came home… we are better schooled about war profiteers nowadays, and people don’t blame the troops… I sure never did. Guts. Determination. God bless him. Thanks,Charles. Peace, Amy
charlesmashburn said
Great response, Amy. What a tragic story about your pen-pal, but uplifting to know you never forgot about him.
Thank you for the wonderful comment!
Hema said
Thats a lovely tribute Charles!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Hema! I updated it this morning, adding pictures Ray took on his trip. Take another look if you have time.
OrangeUaPoet said
Bravo for crafting and sharing this. A wonderrful tribute to a hero. Ride on.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful response. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Poetry & Icecream said
Very touching Charles. The Vietnam Vets had it tough when they came home. I’m glad he finally got the Harley.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Norma. I’m glad he got it, too!
The Happy Amateur said
It must have been awful to fight for your country and then come home and feel unwelcome. So happy Ray was not broken!
A great poem-story of a soldier.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comment!
ayala said
It is for them, the thunder rolls….Love it!
charlesmashburn said
Yeah, I love that line, too!
Thanks for the comment!
Sue Anderson said
Just wonderful. Thanks for sharing his journey!
=)
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Sue! I appreciate the comment!
markwindham said
excellent tribute, very well done.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much for the kind comment, Mark!
Hannah Gosselin said
So saddening the lack of respect for what they’ve done. While I wish it needn’t be at all the facts are war is and for a reason. Great tribute, Charles.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the great comment, Hannah! It is very much appreciated.
Mary said
Visiting again today, Charles. Had visited when you posted it initially, but came to see the photos you added. Glad I did.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for stopping by again, Mary. I thought the photos added a nice touch to the post.
Victoria said
Happy to revisit this, Charles.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Victoria!
Susan said
I love this poem. Gracious! What a man! How well you see and honor him. Win.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the awesome comment, Susan!
whimsygizmo said
This is a beautiful tribute, Charles. Thank you for sharing it.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much for stopping by and leaving the nice comment!
zongrik said
what a life!! but at least he got to ride his Harley!!!
four memorial day senryu
charlesmashburn said
Yes, he did, and he had a great time. On his way back home now.
Thanks for the visit and comment!
seingraham said
This is wonderful Charles! And what a great guy Ray Brown sounds like; being a fellow Harley enthusiast, I can appreciate this trip he’s on. My philosophy mirrors Amy Barlow’s so closely I’m not going to repeat what she’s already so eloquently stated – it’s too difficult to explain how you can be a peacenik and still support the boots-to-the-ground troops, anti-war but never against men and women in the armed forces who fight and die for our way of life. I know it’s even more difficult for American pacifists but it’s becoming as ticklish for Canadians … it’s Memorial Day and I honour that.
charlesmashburn said
I understand the peacenik thoughts, because I detest war, and think it is sad that so many are fought for political and monetary reasons. I won’t get wound up on it, but suffice it to say I feel the same way you do. But! If I had to go to war today, to protect my freedom and yours, I would not hesitate to do so.
Thank you for the thought-filled comment.
ManicDdaily said
Hi Charles -Vietnam also my war in terms of impact on my personal history and emotional life. (I don’t mean that I truly did anything – I was a kid but it was the war that affected me growing up.) A really terrible war, causing crazy divides.. I too felt/feel so sorry for returning vets as many were already so disheartened by that war, its terrible waste of them especially, and then the confusion of anger over the war with lack of respect for vets (although I hate to say it that in all these foreign wars since WWII – there sometimes seems more lip service paid to honoring vets than action–)
But in the case of Vietnam, I feel a bit like the polarization came from both sides–certainly the antiwar people could be pretty awful, but Nixon’s “my country right or wrong” was also very divisive, since a lot of people against the war were not unpatriotic–they just didn’t want Americans killed and killing for something so nebulous and with no clear connection to our freedom.
I felt so sorry for soldiers as they went earnestly, but I do think that there was terribly cold and awful calculation at the top. (I don’t even blame Johnson here so much as he got stuck with it.) But I don’t have a lot of good feeling for McNamara or Kissinger (Kissinger especially low.) Sorry, to get so specific as your poem is a lovely tribute to someone who suffered directly and without calculation.
charlesmashburn said
I agree, Karin–almost word for word with what you said here. I felt lucky in a way that I could not go, but felt a sense of guilt that so many I knew and loved had to endure the atrocity of that war, while I waited in comfort and safety for them to return. And, some of them didn’t. I won’t go into details, because you pretty much covered it, and all I could add is a personal rant. But, yes, a lot of the honoring IS lip service, but that’s not my concern; I mean every word I say, and I cry in my soul for those lost, and those who survived bit lost much in a very different way. To coin a phrase, “War is Hell”, and I hate it with a passion. But, even at my age, I will fight for freedom if I have to. Man… so much I could say, but I know you know what I mean.
Thank you for your comment, and thank you for the poem. Both are good, and struck a chord with me.
ManicDdaily said
Thanks – I have a flag villanelle (about Vietnam) which I’ll post sometime – or repost – won’t trouble you with it now. I know you are not paying lip service – but I get very angry at the lip service and then wanting to cut VA hospitals! Or other benefits! My dad served in both European and Pacific Fronts in WWII and then in the Korean War, and then continued in the reserves for many years. Luckily, these were more popular wars and although he got cuts on some sides, he was not in these later generations where there’s such a dichotomy of support. k.
charlesmashburn said
I’d love to see the villanelle.
Thanks for the follow up. Good conversation is always welcome here!
ManicDdaily said
http://manicddaily.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/more-on-obama-at-dover-another-villanelle/
It’s a villanelle so it’s hard to deal with nuance the way one would like – and really only people conscious of the Sixties would understand. I am very pro-flag, and have been disturbed, frankly, to see it on cars and antenna and jeans and as a logo–you remember how careful we were long ago – I was a flag patrol! K.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks! I enjoyed it, and agree with what you say about the flag.
yoga-adan said
having grown up in the 60s (born in ’50) this really struck home charles
“Never let them see you cry
Make no sounds, lest the enemy hear you” –
and that one, whew! no wonder so many of us have to re-learn how to breathe deeply & freely again
thank you so much charles
charlesmashburn said
I was born in 1950, too, so we breathed the same air from probably very different places. We saw the same things, heard the same things, and wondered “why” about many of them.
Thanks for the great comment.
charlesmashburn said
Reblogged this on Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still… and know that I am God" and commented:
There was no thunder this morning, but Ray Brown–the Harley in the back of his big ol’ truck–rolled out of our driveway and headed back to Oklahoma City. Just got a text that he made it safely home. The next chapter begins.