The Lover, A Soldier prayer.

Soldier goes off to War. Need kind and sweet memories to keep them human.

                     The Lover (A soldier prayer)
 
Poor boys and men.
Roads lead to War.

 
Young woman with a  sweet smile.
Silk dress.
Smelling like sweet flowers.

 
Whisper,  "let's dance tonight.
You shall go to War."

 
"Tonight we need to create photos for the heart."

 
"Memories to keep you warm when you are lonely and afraid."

 
Young man brings the sweet Angel close.
Whisper kind words of love and thankfulness.

 
Soldier stand alone.
Cleans his M-16.
Death is all around him.

 
He closes his eyes.
He remembered.
The smell of flowers.
The feel of the silk dress.

 
The sweet smile of his love.

 
Keeps him human.

 
                  John Castellenas
                  4 April 2009
 
 
 

Author's Note

I stood alone on guard duty on the border of Iraq. Didn't think of War. I thought of beautiful faces and family.
Coyote

Reviews

[E. Leo Wells]

Do a little soldier poetry myself ...fought the demons and the devil, walked the trail and waded the rivers, ...you stuff is good, Soldier stand alone. Cleans his M-16. Death is all around him. nice verse, working on some new stuff ....keep writing and posting
E Wells KY

[Cryingkate]

Hope you made it home Dear Soldier E.Leo Wells ! I send you a Thank you for your service for all of us.
And I send A Song of hope with my tears that Mankind will someday overcome the war machine and live together in Peace.
May someday the only war we make is the war cry for Peace.

[Genevive]

I admire your service to our country and your ability to make your experience of it poetic

[lei]

I salute your bravery, leaving your love ones to fight for peace...

[Chris Yip]

Simple and touching poem, that contrast war and peace. A few lines that speak a thousand words in your usual style. Well done.

[I'd Rather Write]

Nice poem of escaping a dreadful reality and into the colorful sweetness of life that keeps your senses, your sanity, and your hopes together. Thanks for serving!

[N.A.S.S]

Very profound and thought provoking. Those who haven't seen the face of war do tend to take their lives and the lives of those who protect them and their country on the front for granted. Man needs a thought to cling to in such times for otherwise he risks losing his sanity, his soul. Amazing thoughts.

[Stormy Weather]

This gave me chills, with how you wrapped it up.

"He closes his eyes.
He remembered.
The smell of flowers.
The feel of the silk dress.


The sweet smile of his love.


Keeps him human" that's absolutely poetic genius.

[Kim's Poems]

This makes one think of their life,
All of us could really put ourself in a place of stone,
To feel the battles lines inside,
They are impossible to cross,
Sometimes that boundary breaks
and we are still human inside,
We all feel, and feel the love surrounds us.
Awesome read, such depth.

[Bridget Murphy]

Another amazing poem!!! This one is defenately going into my favorites!!:)

[BowlofSarah]

Such a beautiful poem! it is filled with hope, love and holding on to the two. This is by far one of my favorites since joining this site :). I am sure it has uplifted the spirits of many who have spouses who are fighting in the war.

Also Kayley I am not sure if you will ever see this but you have my prayers as well.

[sarah]

wow....wow...I don't even know what to say this is just...incredible. The emotions that flow from this are just amazing. I really enjoyed this great write!