The Soldier

A casualty of war.

The soldier stands guard, his gun in his hand,

And curses the day he came to this land.

Doesn't know why he's there, doesn't know what it's for,

Doesn't know any reason for this Godawful war!

He just knows that he's scared, as he stands there tonight,

He shivers with cold, or is it with fright?

But he will do his duty, he will and he must,

While his comrades lie sleeping he carries their trust.

He jumps as a rat scurries by near his shoe,

As the enemy lurks just outside of his view.

Then a sudden explosion throws him onto his back,

And the enemy swoops in ferocious attack.

He crawls for some cover, can't raise the alarm,

He can't keep his friends from coming to harm.

His hearing returns, he hears his friends screaming,

As the enemy slaughters them where they lay dreaming.

He has to do something, the bodies pile higher,

He breaks from his cover, his gun spitting fire.

He first feels the impact and then feels the pain,

As the enemy bullet bursts into his brain.

The world starts to fade, he knows he will die,

As his blood stains the ground, he just wants to know why!

Reviews

[alf]

Wow!! Mick this is raw and real!!! Love this poem, where the sentiment oozes and makes such an impact!!! I have read this several times and each time it gets me in the gut!! A very powerful write, my friend!!! This is so filled with emotion and is a wonderful read as the lines just flow !!!!! Love it, but the subject is so sad!! alf

[Mick Burke]

Thanks again Alf this was one where I tried to put myself in someone else's shoes, and see things from their perspective. Glad you liked it.

[alf]

You did a brilliant job!!!