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.

[quinfinn]

what an accurate and compelling vision of the value of those moments of tenderness which give the soldier something of sweetness to hold on to in an
unwanted, deadly situation. outstanding job!

[jhed]

this is really really totally unbelievable! i really wanna hear more stories about those wars and all and how they felt being away from their very own families.. i mean no one to caress them whenever bad/sorrowful times come ahead.. an absolute standout. your poetry is indeed a real treasure to keep and so as your memories about them. tell me more!

[Kamran]

Definitely a favorite. I have always enjoyed war tales, as depicting such a complex scene is difficult at the least. The language and simplicity are to be reckoned with. Great job.

[Solidad]

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


I think what I appreciate most about this piece is that its cinematic and homey like an old black and white photograph. Like being able to sit and watch someone else's memories whirl around like a shaken snow globe. J'adore.

[An Ordinary Woman]

reading your author's note gives your poem so much more power. It gave me a 'wow' moment. Thank you, Coyote.

[Alvin L. Kathembe]

another brilliant piece...your words have a way of evoking the most powerful of images...like that of the soldier cleaning his weapon, yet remembering only that one night, to stay human, to keep from being consumed by the madness that is war...marvellous work! love the ending

[Angela]

I like your use of clear brilliant wording. This hits close to the heart. How can I express my gratitude to those willing to fight for us? Most people don't truly understand what soldiers give to do their honorable duty. This imagery is beautiful and paints a vivid story. Thank you. My condolences on your comrade. Death, the brutal, oft forgotten truth of war.

[theludus]

I like reading your stuff, you have a way of phrasing things that is honest rather than simple, and there's great soul to it.

You wrote on another poem something about being out in the world and a witness to 'nature beauty' I thought that was a gorgeous way to describe it.
I find I go back to those two words of yours quite often.

I don't do all that much reading here at WC but I do like the heart that beats in your stuff.

[Sweet_pale_cacophony]

Am reading this again and it is a very well thought and well executed write..which is precise and has a very striking yet tender narrative...it was a pleasure to be reading this again.