Saturday, March 1, 2014

Assault on Iwo Jima

                                                                                       Author: Sgt W J Ferris
Image: AP photographer Joe Rosenthal’s photo is the
most famous news photograph in history. The original
photo negative, is preserved in the archives of the AP
in New York
 - Wiki Commons. (here)

Sunday Whirl Wordle with words:
assault cage double easy fuel 
guess list mercy six trigger type

Caged in by enemy fire
The assault on the island of Iwo Jima
took a dramatic turn
when it happened
on the morning of Feb 23, 1945

A patrol of Marines made
not an easy climb
to the island’s volcanic Peak
Mount Suribachi where
they raised a small American flag

It fueled a roar
from troops on the beach and
on ships off-shore
It was no guess they were so inspired
that a decision was made
to raise another larger flag
and triggered off a double take

Mercy be a list was drawn
Six marines of type hefty and strong
Hayes, Sousley, Bradley, Block, Strank
and Gagnon made the next ascent

With Photographer Rosenthal
standing by they raised a second flag
An image captured for posterity
Reputed to be the most famous
war photograph in history

Submitted for Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle # 150 and
shared with Mary's at Poets United's Poetry Pantry #191

32 comments:

  1. I've read that that iconic photograph is a recreation of the original event. Do you suppose that's true? Thrilling story anyway!

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    1. I don't really know. It may be true in the sense that it was staged a second time with the photographer at hand. But the event did take place I'm sure as the names of the six Marines were cited!

      Hank

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  2. Nicely encapsulated a moment of history.

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  3. Beautifully written..the six names are haunting..as is the choice of language and tone..

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  4. nicely captured...always liked the idea of historic events captured in a poem.

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  5. Well, you tell the story of the re-creation, since they'd already raised the flag even in your poem--I can't even imagine the suffering of the troops--it was a truly terrible battle--you give the sense of the recreation here. Thanks. k.

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  6. what a moment to be there....i wonder if they realized the significance of it...as much as the immortalization has made of it....or if their only though was of taking and holding the hill...

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  7. And what a moment it is, very thrilling narration Hank ~

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  8. Even a posed photo cannot detract from the powerful symbolism here. A well crafted and very readable account. Thank you.

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  9. Hank, your poem preserves such a memorable event so well. These marines are forever immortalized by their deed. And the photo will serve as a reminder forever.

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  10. Inside story, nothing like being there!

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  11. Well done. Nice connection between the picture and your words

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  12. Sometimes the little moments you think nothing of can truly go down in history.

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  13. Historical poetry always captures my attention. Well written and thank you,

    Elizabeth

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  14. Such a terrible time and a doorway to some peace… beautifully expressed Hank.

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  15. Very inspiring poem and interesting historical content. It truly is a fantastic photo.

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  16. Very nice historic piece! It brings to mind the famous Johnny Cash song about Ira Hayes.

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  17. a worthy tribute to a historical moment...very well penned...

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  18. A news article/poem, i like the idea of it! :)

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  19. Well done, Hank. The story of Private Hayes is a sad one. Sorry for not making it here last week, but I am having a hard time adjusting to Michael being gone.

    Pamela

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  20. Really a terrible time--and really a nice piece of writing!

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  21. I think you used the words very effectively.. and that picture stays with my mind.. well done narration.

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  22. How emotive some scenes in history are. The horrors of living through that age are fading as we continue to face the ongoing hate in the world.

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  23. Rosenthal's work is iconic, without doubt.

    http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2014/02/27/prompts-and-promises/

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  24. Hank,

    A very rewarding and concise piece of wonderful history, shared through your poem and great word/wordle skills:) Thank you Hank, I have learned something new today!!!
    Happy Week Ahead, Eileen

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  25. Last year when I was in DC I went to see this monument. You captured in words a historical moment. Well done my friend..

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  26. You reminded me of a favorite war reading: All quiet in the west front - by Erich Maria Remarque.

    Beautiful piece.

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  27. Very nice historic piece Hank, it was an interesting read!

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  28. Wonderful picture and you've captured a historical event so nicely..great play with words. :-)

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  29. Clever to use these words with an historical event.

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