The Old Guard

                                      THE OLD GUARD

                                   

Like the Old Guard at Waterloo I rise on weary legs

for one last act of doomed defiance

to defend a dying cause.

Not with the foolish hope of youth,

but with a grim determination to persevere despite the hopelessness

once more I form the line

and rise on weary legs.

The old blue greatcoat now soiled

by the fields of a thousand battles,

the once proud plumes now mere wisps

torn by the gales of many seasons,

the once gleaming brass now dulled and dented

by years of hard campaigning.

I take my place in line for one last defense

of the fading Empire of Romance.

Following the tattered banner one last time,

In step with the drummer’s proud tattoo,

I rise on weary legs

to assault the spirit of the age.

Against the cannonades of the cerebral

I rise on weary legs,

against the grey divisions of despair

I rise on weary legs.

“Le Garde meurt, mais ne se rend pas!”

 

 

Reviews

[Ravyne Hawke]

This is brilliant, Steve.. I love the power the anaphora creates with "I rise on weary legs".. I've yet to try this technique but now that I see the power in it, I am inspired. The poor old guard just wants one more chance at love... sad and beautiful.

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much Lori. However "brilliant" is too much. I am glad you liked it and I look forward to reading your much better version of the technique.

[Ravyne Hawke]

I am still trying to come up with something.. it will hit me when I am least thinking about it

[SteveB]

Isn't that always the way it goes? For me at least there are those which just burst forth and then there are those which linger and fester over long periods of time

[Ravyne Hawke]

I've got several of those lingering painful poems going at the moment.. They will need many more revisions I fear

[SteveB]

That is one of the things I like about this site. I can place a first working draft here and get feedback.

[Ravyne Hawke]

yes, that is one of the best things about this site

[Sami Khalil]

"I take my place in line for one last defense
of the fading Empire of Romance.
Following the tattered banner one last time,
In step with the drummer’s proud tattoo,
I rise on weary legs"
This is a well penned and a beautiful write ...I really like your style...:)

[SteveB]

Thank you Sami. I appreciate the kindness greatly

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...Any time...:)

[Quill~]

Although war is wearisome to ones soul and can feel like defeat to the body, the heart carries the "tattered banner" with pride.
I get the feeling that you are a seasoned writer...A beautiful piece. Well done!

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. I am honored.

[Quill~]

:) my pleasure.

[Rita L. Sev]

"the once proud plumes now mere wisps
torn by the gales of many seasons,"

Torn, but not destroyed - the strength of youth is in mere looks - I'll take the wisdom born of age. I really enjoyed this poem and your description of this old soldier, weary and proud, and I want to give him words of encouragement. The short lines made me pause for full impact - nicely penned!

[SteveB]

thank you so much Rita. When I read yours last night I thought of this one. We both have the youthful hope despite the "certain age".