Saturday, 1 July 2017

The Reunion


I wrote this poem following a reunion I attended last week.

The Reunion

One by one they file in
a quick cheer, insults traded
firm hard shakes, back slaps,
the call for another pint.
A roll call of sorts;
'whose arriving? when?'
Old friendships rekindle instantly
time itself rewound.
The circle and volume grow
tall tales and beers flow
onlookers eavesdrop and wonder;
for this form of friendship
is too special for ordinary folk,
these comrades share bonds
stronger then the very lives they tie.

John Carré Buchanan
25 June 2017

If you click on the link below you can listen to me read this poem.



This poem is linked to; Poets United.
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32 comments:

  1. Julian4 August 2017 at 17:26

    Hi John, I can understand the camaraderie in this fine piece after you telling me about your reunion. Lets hope the next one's not too far away.

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    1. John Buchanan6 August 2017 at 08:20

      Thanks Julian, glad you liked the poem. I must admit I'm looking forward to the next one myself!

      Delete
  2. Thotpurge13 September 2017 at 13:33

    Great that it coincided with the prompt..sounds like fun!

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    1. John Buchanan13 September 2017 at 14:55

      Hi Thotpurge, it was, but the hangover.... Not so good ;-) Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  3. Susan13 September 2017 at 13:45

    My younger brother, now approaching 60, has exactly this kind of reunion!

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    1. John Buchanan13 September 2017 at 14:56

      Hi Susan, Thanks for your comment. I hope your brother has as much fun.

      Delete
  4. Sumana Roy13 September 2017 at 15:35

    Aw...the fun moments of reunions..lovely :)

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    1. John Buchanan13 September 2017 at 15:46

      Hi Sumana, Thanks for your comment, they are fun aren't they.

      Delete
  5. indybev13 September 2017 at 17:23

    For a number of years, my husband and I attended the reunion of his WWII army buddies. Your words describe it with perfection. Bonded in memories only they could share, it was a joy to see them telling the same stories and laughing at the same jokes year after year, basking in their brotherhood honed in battle.

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    1. John Buchanan13 September 2017 at 17:29

      Hi Indybev,Thank you for your kind comment. The amazing thing is that some of the reunions I have attended mix people of different generations who have served in the same units and that commeraderie is still just as vibrant.

      Delete
  6. Sherry Blue Sky13 September 2017 at 19:27

    A reunion of military buddies is indeed one of the deepest and strongest bonds. Well expressed, John.

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  7. Gillena Cox13 September 2017 at 20:05

    Strong deep bonds, i like , nice poem John.

    Thanks for dropping by to read mine, however i was still inputting when you visited, So you did get the haibun prose. if you visit again you will this time get the completed post

    much love...

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  8. J.N.T.14 September 2017 at 00:08

    I like your poem. That should be reunions alright. Friendships rekindled and playful insults here and there. Great write.

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    Replies
    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 05:34

      Hi J.T,
      Thank you for your kind comment, I am glad you liked the poem.

      Delete
  9. Myrna R.14 September 2017 at 00:34

    You're fortunate to enjoy such friendships. I hope you guys will maintain them always. Enjoyed your poem very much.

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    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 05:37

      Thank you Myrna, I am glad you enjoyed the poem. I am sure our friendships will continue, (although if some wag reads this they will probably deny knowing me!)

      Delete
  10. Anonymous14 September 2017 at 02:14

    John, how similar when comrades get together, one more time. Thank you.

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    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 05:38

      Hi Martin, yes it always seems to be the same, thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  11. Sarah Russell14 September 2017 at 05:29

    Strong bonds formed among soldiers. Love both the poem and the photo, John. Hard won friendships!

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    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 05:42

      Thank you Sarah, I am glad you enjoyed the poem and the photo. For some of us it had been 28 years since we had seen each other and it was a great few days.

      Delete
  12. Amit Agarwal14 September 2017 at 09:07

    Great tribute to the spirit of camaraderie, John! I loved it:) Cheers!!

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    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 15:19

      Hi Amit, thank you very much for your kind comment. I am glad you enjoyed the poem.

      Delete
  13. Panchali14 September 2017 at 18:22

    Great...that was quite a spirit-filled reunion, John! As they say, rekindled friendships often burn more brightly. And no matter how far you go, or how long it's been, you'll always love and care for each other...
    Thoroughly enjoyed the poem!

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    1. John Buchanan14 September 2017 at 18:37

      Hi Panchali, Thank you for your kind comment. You are right about being spirit-filled, on so many levels ;-) I am glad you enjoyed the poem.

      Delete
  14. Mary15 September 2017 at 00:20

    Sounds like a reunion of the best kind! It must have been nice to get together with so many people with whom you shared experiences!

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    1. John Buchanan15 September 2017 at 04:44

      Hi Mary, it certainly was a great event. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  15. Rob Jackson15 September 2017 at 16:51

    These kinds of bonds that withstand time are amazing.

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    1. John Buchanan15 September 2017 at 17:49

      Hi Rob, Thanks for your comment. The bonds are truly special, I feel honoured to have such friends.

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  16. purplepeninportland.com16 September 2017 at 01:00

    Glad this was a happy reunion for you, John. My father had three buddies from World War II that he got together with at least once a year for his whole life.

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    1. John Buchanan16 September 2017 at 03:12

      Hi Sara, thanks for your kind comment. I'm glad that your father was able to meet up with his friends and that you understand the importance of the bond they shared.

      Delete

I really appreciate constructive feedback. If you are able to comment it would be most grateful.

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