Once They Were Soldiers

"Greater love hath no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13

The conversation was lively

and smoke filled the air.

The coffee pots were empty

but no one seemed to care.

Their weathered brows, furrowed

as they struggled hard to hear

the string of combat stories

going strong after all these years.

The tales of guns and roses

 filling hearts with certain yearning

to visit  far off places

and recapture campfires burning.

Paying tribute to the ones who died

long buried but not forgotten

eyes welling up with salty tears

they raise their hands to salute them.

Those gallant, elderly gentlemen

now silver haired and getting older

reminiscing about days gone by

were once American soldiers.

 

 

Author's Note

This is a poem I wrote a few years ago. I added the 4th stanza to commemorate Memorial Day.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

Dara ... your poem touches my heart deeply .. love the quote from John! rhyme, rhythm and every day language elevated into a successful poem .. in my opinion .. i also like the title that references the movie and also the line that brings in some great and instant memories of Axel Rose and Co. .. thank you .. i think this one should be used at Memorial Day services across the land.
E.

[Dara]

Hello dear friend! Thank you so much and for noticing the Axel Rose line. Thinking now, I should use quotation marks? Your opinion means a great deal to me and having read your comment just made my day.

[Einstein Noodle]

good to read you ... i hope to get more regular here in the near future .. busy busy busy ya know?

[Andrew John]

Ah, we do see these grey-haired ones on our TVs quite often, when ceremonies are shown, ceremonies that reminisce (mainly British soldiers that I see). Thanks for your old poem with new stuff added.

[Dara]

It’s really amazing when you think that these older gentlemen were once tough, lean warriors. I have so much respect! Great to see you here. Thank you!

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful work. Powerful tribute.

[Dara]

Thank you so much! I apologize for this late response. Somehow I missed seeing your comment back then.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

being a soldier brings a sense of belonging....great risk, but shared.
"On the bloody morning after, one-tin soldier rides away"
great piece, Dara....and being in war, those who fight, hope to live to tell those tales.

[Dara]

To risk so much for so little given in return. Thank you Jacob. Your thoughts and opinions mean a great deal to me. I hope you are doing well.

[Dave Brown]

It appears the Houthi rebels are about to make a case for even more tales of guns and roses
Will it ever stop

[Dara]

Sadly it seems never ending. We live in a troubled, misguided world.

[Tom]

In such trying, dangerous times those soldiers fortunate enough to have survived conflict, their comradery a cohesive friendship that even many years later, still they are ' as thick as thieves ' including their dearly departed comerades!

Inspiring

[Dara]

Yes, my father often talked about his time in the Navy as if it were yesterday. They knew their cause was just and shared so much pride, deservedly so. Thank you for your thoughts and presence here. I hope you have a wonderful day!

[Arundass TP]

Interesting military theme. Enjoyed reading your poem 😊

[Dara]

Thank you very much. It is nice to see you here. I will look forward to reading your work as well. Take care!

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Your poem is a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers, and the way that their stories continue to inspire and move us even after all these years. The way that you describe the veterans as "gallant, elderly gentlemen" is a reminder that they were once young men who risked their lives for their country, and that their valor and courage should never be forgotten. The lines "Paying tribute to the ones who died, long buried but not forgotten, eyes welling up with salty tears, they raise their hands to salute them" are particularly poignant, as they suggest that the veterans are still deeply moved by the memory of their fallen comrades, and that their sacrifices continue to inspire us all. Overall, I think your poem is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of America's soldiers, and a reminder that their stories will always be a source of inspiration and pride for our nation.

[Dara]

Many thanks for your wonderful review which in itself is a great tribute to our soldiers past and present. I so appreciate you being here!