I found this book last week. “Taps On The Walls, Poems from the Hanoi Hilton by Maj General John Borling”
The story, the heroism, the demonstration of hope in the midst of grave peril inspires me.
I admit, it also worries me.
Men like Borling are more rare and rare.
His spirit, heart, ability to remain steadfast seems to be a fading way of life in America.
He’s a real hero!
A prisoner for six years and eight months.
Tortured. Deprived, starved, left in heat and cold.
He had internet, smart phones or three squares a day.
No way to contact home.
Only taps on the walls to his fellow prisoners.
Maj General John Borling kept his sanity and heart by composing poems in his head, then tapping them out on the walls of his iron cell.
His fellow prisoners listened, memorized and tapped back.
If caught, they were severely punished.
I pray for America that we maintain our mental toughness, fight for freedom and bravery.
Borling is a true light, example and a hero.
Here’s one of his poems.
“This I Believe”
Some are made for mountains
Some prefer the plain,
But each must have self-esteem,
To bring him home again.
Values come from people,
Assessing their amounts.
Those worthy of respect and pride,
All know the striving counts.
Comments 2
Thanks Rachel, I remember hearing about him when he was released & came home. I agree w/you – do we still have some Americans w/this same kind of resolve, faith & hope. We certainly don’t have many in the leadership of our country.
Your post rings true. It does seem like we are seeing fewer and fewer patriots of this nature–true heroes. As such it’s good to bring attention to those we do find. Thank you for posting.