Paper Soldiers

men and women, lined up

sharp dressed, pressed

crisp camo, no smiles

each one ready

ready to kill, ready to die.

sent out like paperdolls

fodder for the news

the religious right

oh, and don't forget..

scapegoats for you

and me

following orders, immaculately

in a sun-drenched dusty hell

to come home to a people

who don't understand

mocking the night terrors

the dreams, the drugs

and the pain

they turn and seek solace

in the orders of their leaders -

welcomed with open arms

and snake oil smiles

don't forget the needles.

in the end, just a few,

become a parody of exactly

what they never thought to be

addicts, and psych patients

made both by the war

and those in power

once proud men and women

now starched paperdolls

eating pills their Uncle gives them

which are no help at all.

Author's Note

This is NOT mocking soldiers. This was brought on really by the heavy over-medication of some soldiers I am close to. It's not perfect - but it's getting me started again. Thanks! :)

Reviews

[Su' Nacnetaf]

It is a very sad world, crude as it may be, you have portrayed some of these men and women's reality and just a bit of the huge struggle they have to overcome daily. Thanks for sharing.

[SpitfireGrrrl]

Thanks for reading

[Su' Nacnetaf]

It is only fair to repay kindness with kindness, you write with purpose, it was my pleasure reading your work.

[.]

:: a very powerful piece of poetry, dear N. ... i didn't think (even for a second) that the poet (or poetess as in your case) was 'mocking soldiers'... your heart and soul are in your words... :: the narration of this piece... and the way you've done justice to the title is amazing... :: a lot of people write about the damaging impact of war but you have brought out a facet ('over-medication of soldiers') that is not brought out usually... :: excellent work... it's social commentary expressed beautifully...

[SpitfireGrrrl]

Thank you!

[.]

:: you're very welcome... :)

[Karen]

I did not interpret this wonderful poem as a mockery at all. On the contrary, it's a voice for these martyrs whose voices are dulled and muffled by over-medication, PTSD, or worse, psychotic breaks with reality. These are powerful words that need to be expressed and are an homage to those heavily over-medicated soldiers that you know. Thank you for putting their pain into words and sharing those words with us.

[SpitfireGrrrl]

Thank you so much!

[zainul]

Wonderful presentation of shocking story.
Expressed eloquently with poetic passion.
Thanks for sharing.

[SpitfireGrrrl]

Thank you very much!

[zainul]

You are most welcome,dear friend.:)