LOST IN BATTLE

I do not mean to slight the many women who now join the armed forces and risk their lives alongside the men. But way back when I was young, it was young men who were drafted and called into battle. This was written from such a mother's view point.

 

 

 

 

 

"Lost in battle," is what she read

The army's message, that her son was dead

"He was a true soldier, proud and brave"

Gave little comfort beside his grave

All hopes and dreams and life's desire

 Ended abruptly by enemy fire

 

  He fought for his country and freedom they say

With little concern for the price he would pay

All the tales of glory and heroes' lore

 Can never prepare us for the horrors of war

 

Now the battles are over and victory's won

 But how many mothers are mourning a son?

 

 

 

Reviews

[Marie Anzalone]

"All foreign wars I do proclaim
Live on the blood and the mother's pain
I'd rather have my son as he used to be
Than the King of America and his whole navy"

-Bruce Springsteen, "Mrs McGrath"

I think this sums it up quite well. I lost my fiancee to the Iraq War. Not to an IED, but to PTSD. He came back alive, with vital parts of his mind and personality dead. He came back with a devastating case of alcoholism and rage issues. And they say to me, "You don't support our troops if you question the validity of the war"

and I say back, "I have to make decisions every day that make research animals give up their lives for the cause of bettering humanity. By law, I am held accountable for assuring that there is a good reason to put an animal's life, sanity, or well-being in jeopardy. Why aren't warlords held equally accountable for the liberties they take with our mother's daughters and sons?"

This struck a chord, Ellen. Thank you. There is no comfort for a mother, either for the message of "honor in death" nor for the message "alive but wishes he were dead"

[Bee]

CHILLING.

[Abigail T]

Wow. So short, but insanely touching. In such few words, you are able to convey an extremely powerful message, which is definitely not easy. I see poems about our troops that sometimes seem empty or obligatory, but this makes me feel. Bravo, and well done!

[Helen Woodward]

Gosh Ellen, the picture speaks a thousand words and your poetry does it justice. Poignant, compassionate words from you as always...I guess it is difficult to feel proud of your child when all you have is a body in a coffin...but proud they should be...so sad :-(
You have done a wonderful service to all mothers of soldiers lost to wars everywhere...

[Seashell]

So true and makes one weep at the very thought of losing one of our children whether it be boy or girl. A victory won for the country but not the poor family.

Nice work here Ellen

Take care

Babs xx

[angelinmypocket]

Ellen, as I read this, I have to wonder if you lost a son in the war. The words, the meaning and the emotions that were expressed are all too real. I can only say that I would lose my mind if I lost a child by any means...let alone war. Your poem is the most emotional expression I have seen anywhere of the devistation a mother feels when she loses a child. May I consider this beautiful write for a page on my site?

[The Analog Kid]

Ellen,

Such a poignant, touching poem. Very straightforward. So sad, but true. Nice tribute to the mothers.

Pat

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

All days this is sad today makes it more so .. as we honor those who have fallen and who serve..
This is a sensitive poem .. and it makes me cry.. to lose a child in any circumstance is one of life's hardest things to get through .
This is a wonderful tribute ..

Chloe

[Valentine]

Ellen...a terrific post in honor of the fallen from all wars across this world. It would be so wondereful if people could just learn to live along side of each other without prejudice or hate or bigotry..Thanks sweetie for posting this one..my brothers and my brother-in-law were all in wars...luckily they came back..love and God bless...your friend..Kathie

[Wicahpi]

I hope never me :(
I cannot even think about such a thing,
for it brings tears to my eyes.
((hugs)) go out to all mothers who have
lost a child serving their country in war, or not.
This is well written and powerful at the same time.
Peace n light

[Patient Poet (Yos)]

Very touching and painful poetry , thank you so much for sharing , it reminds me a poem I wrote , you can read if you have the time :

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/yosmos100/405036/

Yossi