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.

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

It takes a very special mind to think of beauty admidst the ravages of war

[biggerthenu]

Thanks for sharing kind sir but what ever happen to this time when it was time for war and women gave there hearts and love to our country boys

[LittleMissSunshine :)]

This honestly is very amazing.
It tells the story of so many soldiers,
and reminds us of the memories that drag us through the hard times, and keep us alive when all else fails.
This pulled at my heartstrings, and made me smile.
I'm honestly not sure what else to say, except for flawless :)

[Elaenor Aisling]

The last line of this poem is stunning. You bring up the all to often truth that humanity is often lost in war, but give the character something to be grounded by. Home. Which should be the hope and support of every soldier. Truly a wonderful piece.

[Olivia Petchonka's thou..]

I am speechless. This is a great work of art. My boyfriend is over seas fighting. I have not seen him since his deployment so when he comes home I will remember this poem. It is a very strong and emotional poem. I love it. :)

[Seashell]

This is so moving to realise that this is indeed life. You describe the scene so vividly that I could feel the fear yet warmth in the soldiers hearts, which probably kept them alive. To have such a memory of a loved one is a strengthening power to our ego and well being.
Thanks for share.
Babsie Bee x

[AndyJCash]

I see people write about war who haven't had the true experience (hell, I'm guilty of that) but as I read this piece I was sure there was something true about it. I couldn't say what, just somewhere I knew there was a steady mind who had seen it. Good write.

[DalainaRenee]

Very nice heart felt poem. I like it

[Ruth]

They so do! I cannot imagine what goes through a soldiers mind but know it must be the same for anyone in war....memories and positive images need to be maintained...such an intense poem love, you paint such a daunting thought of frightening prospect with absolute wonderful balance, great poem xx

[Matthew Ryan Hardy]

Amazing Poem Nothing to say though :)