M.B. HENRY 
Poetry Break: “Let Me Tell You How I Died” – Wounded
Hello everyone! I hope all of you are doing well. It’s been a crazy few weeks, as I just started writing in a brand new novel project, which takes place during the Kennedy years. It’s a lot different than any of my previous books, so I’m kind of flying by the seat of my pants a bit (I believe they call it “panstering” in the writing world). But it has been quite an adventure, and I’m already 30,000 words in, which is very exciting! I hope very much I will get to share this story with you in book form one day. While the progress on this book is absolutely thrilling, I’m afraid all the novel writing hasn’t left me much time for blog writing, so I will be taking a brief hiatus from here so I can get a solid first draft cranked out. Until then, I will leave you all with a short poetry break, a continuation of the poem epic that I wrote a few years back. This installment is a segment of the third and final part of the poem, and it covers what it must have been like to be wounded in the Civil War (spoiler alert: it was dreadful). I hope very much that you enjoy it, and I also hope you have a wonderful rest of the summer, which is winding down fast, isn’t it?! Be well, friends! I will see you all sometime in September! (Maybe when September Ends…. you have the song in your head now, don’t you? 🙂 )
Wounded
I lay on my back beneath a shady Dogwood tree
The pretty pink blossoms flutter down upon me
I breathe in the perfume of the Virginia spring air
And try to chase away the pain if I dare
My blood spills out into the clean spring grass
I just want all of the hurt to pass
I hold my bloody hands to my ripped open side
I wait for a chance to see the doctor inside
But that will be a very long wait
Because there’s thousands of wounded awaiting their fate
At this small little farm turned to a surgical den
That’s now filled to the brim with busted up men
A bloodied pile of amputated limbs is nearby
While from the house comes many a scream and cry
I was put under this tree because they had no space
“Just leave him to die,” said a nurse with a stone face
“His injuries are fatal, we can’t treat him here.”
“We don’t have the supplies or the help, I fear.”
So I lay here underneath the pretty blue sky
With nothing to do but wait to die.
To Be Continued…
A NOTE OF THANKS.
I am very pleased to announce that this month, this website hit a mind-blowing 1,000 followers. I am truly amazed at how many people have come to hear what I have to say in the blogosphere, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support. When I started this blog, I really was afraid of the internet. I was afraid people would be mean and nasty. I was afraid this would hurt more than it helped. But WordPress, and the friends I have made here, has become one of my greatest sources of comfort and morale boosters, and for that, I truly thank you. To the many more adventures we will share in the days to come!
Any gunshot wouund to a limb usually meant immediate amputation of that limb. I have found Civil War letters to family and home fascinating. Elegant in vocubulary and style, stoic bravery, courage and love of family and comrades.
You’re right. Amputation was the only way they knew how to treat most wounds – it was a scary war in the fact that medicine had not yet caught up to mechanized warfare, which made disease and wounds enemy number one. Thanks so much for reading Carl, I too have found letters home fascinating. I have several books of them in my library, and read them often!
Dear M.B., first, the poem—my friend, it’s tragical and beautiful. I can imagine the deaths and do each time I visit a battlefield or watch a movie. You always have the perfect words. Secondly, I’m SO EXCITED about your book! I’m so proud of you. I’m envious! I’m struggling, my friend. I so want to have SOME kind of routine. This past weekend I visited my youngest son, daughter-in-law, and grand girl in Warrensburg, MO. We squeezed in history, a farmer’s market, a major league game, and the Missouri State Fair. I returned hoping to write. But instead I found myself spending all my time catching up with everyone about how I’m doing. Or drop-in visits. It’s exhausting, M.B. People tell me to “find my joy”. Then, when I TRY to, it’s stolen from me like a thief in the night. If I can’t be around my kids and grandkids, then I want to write. My family says I’m kind and patient. But frankly, I’m starting to lose it; and it’s impacted my health. By the time I get to sit and even THINK about writing, I’m exhausted (my illness gives my only so many “good hours” a day if that makes sense?). I’m not for sure why I’m “venting” on your post. I’m SO SORRY! It’s just that I’m so PROUD OF YOU and wish that I could do the same! I must be as tough as a soldier, my friend. I need to keep mustering the strength to carry a weapon, of love, that will help me battle this disease. And if that means, strategically placing myself in a particular place on the battlefield for a “winning” position, I must do it! I have this goal to finish a book written by my amazing friend, M.B.! Tee hee! I’ll miss you and I UNDERSTAND! I can’t wait to hear (and READ) all about it. In the meantime, I’m singing the end of September song. I’m waiting for my favorite time of the year to blow in and bring much needed change. I’m so thankful for friends, such as you, that understand my “need” to write and read—you just get it! I hope you can feel the love and hugs I’m sending to you. Congratulations, my friend! Love, Karla (and Finn) 💛
<3 Dear Karla, you are welcome to vent anytime, as I can't imagine the peaks and valleys of what you are going through, and how disrupting that must be to your routine. Illness is indeed a very challenging battlefield. If it helps, I've rarely seen anyone navigate it with the pure strength and grace that you have, although I know how much you must be in emotional turmoil at times. I am SO PROUD OF YOU TOO for how far you've made it, for not giving up, and for showing up on the battlefield, weapons in hand, continuing to fight. You are an inspiration. God bless. I'm sending you lots of hugs, good vibes, peaceful feels, and wishes for time to write, as much time as you need.
Thank you, my friend. I often think of you when I’m visiting historical places! Your words mean so much to me. It touches my heart! I feel all the feels you’re sending. It means so much! Please be safe if you do get a chance to travel. About the time you might come “back”, I’ll be visiting the Grand Canyon (God-willing)! No doubt I’ll be inspired. Stay safe and blessed and keep up the wonderful work!
Ooooh the Grand Canyon is BEAUTIFUL! You will very much love it. If you are able, try to take a detour over to Kaibab National Forest. Something tells me you especially would enjoy its peace and beauty, my friend 🙂
Thank you, MB! I will tell the tribe it’s a MUST! Thank you so much! I’ve been “all around” that area. I love New Mexico and the Arizona area. I’m so excited. I may have good news to share, and I know you’re writing. My “case” has gone straight “to the top” of the National Cancer Institute. Without divulging too much, I should know on Monday or Tuesday if I’m in the BEST HANDS of our country in possibly having surgery to extend my life. I feel like I’m dreaming—but it’s real! The Grand Canyon may just be the cherry on top of this beautiful “maybe”!! Sending love and hugs as you continue! 🤗💚
I’m going to say some extra prayers, friend!! <3 <3
Thank you SO MUCH!!! ❤️❤️❤️
An exciting reason for a blogging break. 😊
I certainly thought so! 🙂 It’s just crazy how much the words are flowing!
Yay! That makes me happy. 😊
🙂 🙂
Another well-crafted, heartbreaking poem, MB. And congratulations on starting a new novel and reaching 1,000 followers!
Thanks Dave!! 🙂
The poem, so sad, with nature’s beauty juxtaposed to man-made mayhem.
How exciting you started another novel. I hope you will mostly enjoy the writing and make good progress.
Best,
Tanja
Thanks so much! I’m enjoying the novel writing so far although all the typing does give me hand cramps something awful haha. Have a wonderful rest of your summer!
Thank you, MB. Make sure you get up often to stretch and shake out those hands!
Thanks MB! That is a very good poem , but really, really sad. I am already looking forward to your new book – so don’t give up. I love your writing. Have good days! 🙂
Comments like this just boost my day 🙂 You have no idea! Thanks so much! <3
You are very welcome.
How exciting to be pursuing a new story in novel form, M.B.! Totally understandable to break from blogging. As for the poem, it’s all heartbreaking when reading about war casualties.
Thanks! It’s been very exciting writing a new story again, it had been awhile! 🙂 I’m so glad the poem moved you, I agree the casualties are the hardest thing to read (and write) about
I remember the first part of this; the continuation is as epic, as I am sure the novel will be.
We’ve come a long way with this poem, haven’t we? Only a few segments left to go! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading Derrick!
Best wishes with your novel! How exciting!!!!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Good luck with your panstering, MB! 30,000 words is quite an achievement already. That’s a fascinating time in history to set a novel in.
Panstering is definitely a new experience for me, I usually have everything very well planned out haha! And yes it’s been fun to research and write about this era!
Enjoy this new experience!
A brave epic poem, must be hard to write such material. Now I’m going to check out your novels, and good luck with the pantsing (as we term it here).
Yes the pansting was definitely new for me, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it!
Good luck with the new novel.
Thank you!!
Best regards MB. Your poem definitely identifies with the reality of wartime and history. ♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍
Thank you!
Your writing is vivid as always, and so is the suffering of the protagonist. Honestly, I cannot imagine the horrors some people have lived through.
Congrats on a good start re: your new novel. So exciting. Here’s to panstering!925
Panstering was a new experience for me. But you know what? I kind of enjoyed it!!
That was so great and so terribly sad. I am very happy that you keep these historical events in our minds. And that you make this history so personal. Far too many people are forgetting and too many think these things are all made up. MB, you are wonderful.
Thank you!! <3 I very much appreciate such a heartfelt comment!