Tears of the Arizona

[soldierpoet]

A tribute to the over 1,700 men who died on the USS Arizona on December 7th, 1941. To this day the ship quietly "cries" leaking oil, a small reminder of the horror she saw that day.
This is my first attempt at free verse, so hope you enjoy it!

A tiny black bubble, squeezing slowly through this rusty crack
Lingers for a second above her shattered hulk;
Coral fingers wave in chorus as bright Pisces’ sons dart about,
Silently cheering the old tear’s birth.

Like watery meteor, the bubble starts its trek
Aiming towards the sparkling surface;
With fervent reverence minnows chart the way
As ghostly taps ever call for rescue.

Left behind the shadowed ship, basking in harbor’s cove
The deadly gem kisses golden rays;
A tear of sorrow wept by those who will never see the sun
Forever trapped in the sunken Arizona.

[Dew]

Thank you for the explanation...I enjoyed this so much more for having that gem of insight that let me see your mind on the matter! Wonderful poem! - Dew

[gooseberry]

This is heart-rending.Such sad imagery and yet an incredible tribute to all those sailors who went down with her.Very,very moving.

[dornicks]

Well written account of a sad ending and a fitting tribute to those who perished. Thank you for sharing this,

dornicks

[soldierpoet]

Thank you all, I am glad you enjoyed it!

[Ladywildalice]

May we never forget the over 1100 brave men who died aboard her, and are forever entombed beneath the shrine built to honor them. They were but a fraction of those who died in one of man's many wars, but that makes them no less important. For even one life, lived to protect another, is worth everything we can offer. Thank you, this was a touching write, a wonderful read, and has been bookmarked.

[soldierpoet]

Thank you both for your kind words.

[QuietAstronomer]

BB 39 is an unforgettable tragedy.
It highlights the narrow line between success and failure, life and death.

Well writ!


QA

[soldierpoet]

Indeed it is QA, thank you for your comment!