'S A M'

   © by Ray M. Maner 8-8-2000

It is the 20th century that I recall.
All the advances in human endeaver.
That made a boy want to stand tall.
And think he'd live forever.

But that's the past, as time moves on.
Now we have a new second millenium.
As we try to forget a thousand wars,
And try to remember those who died in 'em.

I once knew a 20th century man.
His name was Sam, a friend of mine.
He fought and died for this land.
This man, this hero, this friend of mine.

His family the army notified.
He was hardly 20 years old.
On that fateful day he died.
So young, so brave, so bold.

I was there when they returned him home.
Over the years we'd been best chums.
His Pop and family seemed like my own.
Until the war of the Viet Nams.

All the years later I cannot forget,
My friend, this 20th century man.
This man, this hero, don't forget,
Who fought and died for this land.

Ray

© 2000 by Ray M. Maner, First printed in the Times Georgian 10 Aug 2000 to remember Sammy in the new Millenium.

Any comments should be sent by E-Mail to ray@raymaner.com.

   'Remembering Sam'

   © by Ray M. Maner 7-21-1998

Thirty years it has been,
And I still remember you,
Just as you were then.

The days have turned to Years.
As it gets easier,
To let go the tears.

If I could change things around,
I'd have my friend here.
And not in the ground.

But things must remain the way they are.
For it's not in our power to change.
Once GOD has made us a Heavenly Star.

So once again my friend I'll say,
Has it been 30 years?
And salute you on this day.

Ray

© 1998 by Ray M. Maner, First printed in the Times Georgian 9 Aug 1998 for the 30th anniversary of remembering Sammy.

Any comments should be sent by E-Mail to ray@raymaner.com.

'I Remember Sammy'

© by Ray M. Maner 8-4-1993

I remember Sammy, my high school buddy, my accomplice in mischief ... my friend.

Has it been 25 years?

I remember Sammy, driving fast through Sand Hill, walking fast down the hall, always in a hurry, he must have known.

I know we would have been cohorts through the years had you lived. But as the line in the song goes that was so popular then, `...that old crazy Asian war...' seperated us in this life, but I know I'll see you again. So on this 25th anniversary of your passing, I'll visit your grave once again, and salute you.

Ray

© 1993 by Ray M. Maner, First printed in the Times Georgian 12 Aug 1993 for the 25th anniversary of remembering Sammy.

Any comments should be sent by E-Mail to ray@raymaner.com.

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   'Angels On High'

   © by Jeff M. Maner 5-12-1995

Used with permission to remember
Sammy James

Angels on High
O' see how they fly
People live and
People die

And through all
this I wonder why
I strive to be
the best of all

Angels to protect me
To light my way
We have such little time
Or so they say

To become the best
That we can
In our short but
sweet -- life span.

© 1995 by Jeff M. Maner, First printed in Mrs. Kelly's
Sophmore English class 12 May 1995 for a poetry project.

Any comments should be sent by E-Mail to Jeff Maner .

Sammy's site map

copyright © 1998,1999,2000 R.M.Maner
Most recent update: 8/8/2000
For more information contact ray@raymaner.com

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