Poems in the Keys of Life:
Reflections of a Combat Medic
Poems in the Keys of Life:
Reflections of a Combat Medic
by Kerry “Doc” Pardue
Published by (date): PublishAmerica
ISBN:
Price: $14.95
Tags: Poetry
Synopsis
These poems are a reflective journey to find healing after the War in Vietnam. 35 years ago I was a combat medic. When I came home I was determined to put Vietnam behind me. Somehow, deep within my heart, soul, and spirit Vietnam was a part of who and what I became. Finally, my journey to healing began and these poems are the result of that journey 35 years later. These are a collection of poems about recovering from war and the effects of PTSD. They will make you cry, laugh, and appreciate friendships.
This is one of the best collections of Vietnam era poetry in one volume by one poet!
Poet-Warriors have always gone off to fight the wars since the beginning of time. The old tradition of taking emotional and spiritual inner photos of what they experienced and felt so they could record them in poetry latter on, is still carried on by one of the most prolific of Vietnam poets. Kerry “Doc” Pardue in his first book of collective poems, published through PublishAmeica, really captures those inner snap shot memories of what it was like then and now for those who were there.
Doc, as his friends and fellow vets call him, takes the reader on an emotional tour of his heart and soul. The poems are not
just focused on war but speak out about the life journey that the poet has
taken. In the poets own words these poems show “the struggle of a just
war, comradeship and loss… a reflective journey to find healing after the
War in Vietnam.”
The poet was a combat medic and not some behind the frontlines desk jockey and when you read his poetry you make this journey with him emotionally. Some of his writings deal with his search for himself and for healing from the war. They are about recovery and hope and some will make you cry but some will bring a smile – it is all about the journey.
Review by Bill McDonald, MWSA President (2005)
2005 Gold Medal Award for Poetry!
Other Reviews:
I will never forget the Vet buzz over Doc Pardue's haunting poem, 'Welcome Home My Sisters', written to honor the 10th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Four female Vet friends emailed me independently and said, "Steve, you HAVE to read this..." Just a few lines in, and I could see why. ~ Steve Cain, author, "How To Appreciate A Vietnam Vet: Dealing With The Myth Of The Unwinnable War"
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I could not put his book down. Kerry's poetry is written in a style that tells a story and just grabs you by the heart...his poetry will help other caregivers who served in war. America needs to be grateful for men and women, such as these, who served us so well in America's most unpopular war.~ Feature Editor, Mesa Tribune
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I truly loved this collection of poems. Doc Pardue has a way to tell a story thru his poetry. It is an important story that needs to be told. His poetry is clear and heart-felt. I would rate him as one of greatest poets of his generation, his poetry is profound and reaches out to others who served as a caregivers. His book needs to be read and shared. I look forward to reading his next book. ~Tommy, New York, NY