Charles H. Thornton Crystal Springs, MS

pen;NI Ni Ichi; b:19 Oct 1920, Crystal Springs, MS; m: Gladys M. Malone 3 Apr.,1948; ch:Amy C Palmer w/2 ch; ed: Crystal Springs Cons. Sch, 12 yr, MS College, Clinton, MS, BS Chem; occ.: M'Sgt USAF ret. Univ. MS Dept Clin.Lab. SC. ret :memb : Pilgrims Rest Bapt. Church, Am. Legion, Am, Ex-POWs, MS Bapt. Disaster Team, AARL (Ham Radio), Army MARS, Intl. Lib. Poetry (Life Memb.) Honors: Military inc. Presidential Cits. and Bronze Star, Awards: World of Poetry and Intl Lib. Poetry, Copiah-Lincoln Comm. College Lit. Hall of Fame, Congress of Freedom: Author: many pub. poems and Songs of the Hedgehopper and Files of NiNi Ichi (book); contributor: Death March Survivors of Bataan by Don Knox, Am POW History, and The Defenders of The Philippines Guam and Wake Islands, Pub. Turner Pub. Co Paducah, KY. pers: Writing began as a personal therapy as a Japanese POW having been one of the Battling Bastards of Bataan. It has evolved into a medium to help make a difference in our world.

MY CHRISTIAN FAITH Christian Faith is like walking on water. It is impossible to do without a hand in Christ's I wandered corridors of Time and Space Searching for God I peered through the veil of Death beyond life. And caught a glimpse of the Great Unknown I saw the vastness of Creation And knew it Author To be Divine. It was the beginning of Faith Noy yet refined. I cultivated it in adversity, Nurtured it in Hope, Watered it with Love, Fed it on Time I walked down the Valley of Death Without fear returned unharmed. I was seared by the fires of Hell Brought forth unscathed Dross burned away, Purified Now down corridors of Time and Space I go with hand in Faith In certainty and Purpose, Toward the great Unknown and God.

REMEMBERED I've seen the mountain of Korea, And the land of the Rising Sun I've touched the shores of Formosa Walked the Death March on Bataan But a sight that really impressed me, Was sight of a Cross and Stars and Stripes Atop the mast of a ship at sea.

PHILOSOPHY IN CIRCLES Circles intersecting at a single point Reminds of ripples caused by a stone Thrown into a body of water Ever widening and moving away From the initial point of contact. Such should be the course of influence, Benefiting others in contact, Reaching and widening our scope. Even into future generations.

All poems Copyright © 1997 Charles H. Thornton. All rights reserved.