The Walking Wounded

WALKING WOUNDED

 

We are the walking wounded

bearing the scars of life

our striped backs showing the marks

of each well laid lash

each blistering cut

each stinging mark

each cut and bruise

a blood soaked memory

of failure and fear

of rejection and reverse

the crushing burden of regret

 

A record of our lives

to be traced by the marks

left at our scourging at the pillar

 

We are the walking wounded

more than our wounds

though they help define us

and shape us

and make us who we are

 

We are the walking wounded

continuing to limp along

leaving bloody footprints

as we drag ourselves along the lonely path

 

The walking wounded with bent backs

carrying our box of memories

trudging ever forward

wiser for the wounds

as we gaze fixedly

upon the promises that remain

Author's Note

A work in progress. Suggestions, comments, rude noises are all appreciated

Reviews

[Holly Mason]

I will refrain from a public display of rude noises...hahah
a box of memories being carried by bloodied feet...
I have been through a lot in life...a lot...
but I will cherish my box of memories and I will cure my bloodied feet
what else is a life's soldier to do?
Raise a white flag...I scoff at that...hence more bloodied feet but
feet that move non the less*)
thank you sir, for sharing...like this much darkening enlightenment*)

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much.

[The Verse: A Poetry Jou..]

Better, really like this one, the imagery and bits of metaphors. Superb.

[SteveB]

High praise indeed. Thank you very much. And thank you for taking the time to read some of my work.

[Pryde Foltz]

To me this poem is about empathy. We are all, indeed, the walking wounded. I like to that you ended it with hope. Ever forward, friend.

[SteveB]

Have to keep the hope. Despair is the only unforgiveable sin.

[SyberRose]

Nicely done Steve...our scars and wrinkles and everything else tells a story of lifes journey...Enjoyed:)

[SteveB]

Thanks Rose.

[Sami Khalil]

"We are the walking wounded
bearing the scars of life
our striped backs showing the marks
of each well laid lash
each blistering cut
each stinging mark
each cut and bruise
a blood soaked memory
of failure and fear
of rejection and reverse
the crushing burden of regret"
Wow. You have summed up the human condition (s) marvelously and I do like how you repeat and emphasize the facts of it all. Well done as always poet...:)

[SteveB]

Thanks Sami

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

"Wiser for the wounds..." Every scar is part of us, teaches us lessons learned no other way... A great analogy here, Steve.

[SteveB]

Thank you Rita. We of a "certain age" can learn in no other way.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

no rude noises...i like the metaphor here...

the use of the physical scars from war, to show the mental and emotional scars from failed relationship after failed relationship...

the wounds do pile up...and they get harder and harder to hide.

[SteveB]

Thanks Jacob. While they get harder to hide it becomes easier to accept them as part of who we are.