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  The Poetry Society of Virginia: William B. Spillman, Jr.







The Ghosts of Dover Field

You were safe
in the fields of your faith.
You knew what was right and true
and no doubt burdened your sky.
Now it is different.

Caravans of coffins
oppress you.
They come from a desert
wilderness
to make you unsure.

Your son’s name
was inserted in the plain
handwritten form letter
that explained his sacrifice
with empty time worn rhetoric.

Your faith
has wavered and become
your own fog of war.
You believed you were told the truth.
Now you are not so sure.

You have prayed so hard
your mind and body hurt,
but no answers have come.
No one was allowed to serve
as witness to the return of your son.

Your great unshaken leader
plans another vacation.
His prayers confirm his actions.
He doesn’t have any concerns,
he believes he is chosen.

Wait for the moment
when you might understand.
It is coming slowly
but it will arrive.
Will you believe him even then?

by William B. Spillman Jr.






The Poetry Society of Virginia

Homepage  |  Meeting Saturday Sept. 11, 2010  |  Winners 2010 Adult Poetry Contest  |  Winners 2010 Student Poetry Contest  |  Books for Holiday Gifts  |  Four Virginia Poets Laureate, Book & DVD  |  Attack on America: Poems  |  Membership Information & Application  |  2010-2011 Officers and Bylaws  |  Newsletters for 2010  |  Newsletters for 2009  |  Newsletters for 2006-2008  |  Newsletters for 2003-2005  |  2009 Adult Contest Winners  |  2009 Student Contest Winners  |  2008 Contest Awards  |  2008 Student Contest Awards  |  2008 Student Contest Winning Poems  |  2007 Contest Awards  |  2007 Student Contest Awards  |  2007 Winning Poems of Students  |  Previous Years' Contest Results  |  Meet Virginia's Poets  |  Poetry-in-the-Schools Program  |  The Craft of Poetry  |  Poetry Readings  |  Poetry Workshops and Conferences  |  Links  |  Member Publications and Web Sites  |  Cup Contest Winners  |  Round Robin Poems