Home » Poems » Andrea Dietrich » The Soldier

The Soldier

"Ordered to shoot innocents, a hero aims the gun at himself." A soldier brave and true I once learned of. Required to kill, when other men would quake, he shot himself instead. He would not take the lives of innocents! This is real love. Written Sept. 5, 2016 for the One and One contest of Rick Parise This is a quote from my source “I withhold my name for fear of reprimand from the powers that be in the land of the free.”.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Marquis Mc Mills-Cooper

Date: 10/6/2016 9:23:00 PM

Hi Andrea! I was drawn to this one since I'm a Soldier. Heh, I think in this case, I'd turn the weapon on the one who ordered me to kill innocent people LOL! I just have too much to live for and many more poems to write...but what a sacrifice this particular Soldier made. Makes you think.... This should have done well for you. MC

Augustus Black

Date: 9/15/2016 8:46:00 PM

Another very fine writing from you. Soldier's life is very difficult. The soldier of your story totally apart from other soldier. He is extremely brave and have a good soul. Nice work.

John Fleming

Date: 9/9/2016 2:23:00 AM

Undoubtedly there are many good souls aboard this hurtling little world of ours...But until all men carry pens and not guns I think it would be best if some men were still armed and readied. The individual you pay tribute to here, Andrea, must have been a man wrestling with the most turbulent moral conflicts that could plague a person...Very, very poignant indeed!! My very warmest regards. :) john

John Hamilton

Date: 9/8/2016 5:24:00 PM

I'm with Daniel, most of the free world now accept conscientious objectors, and they must complete some obligatory non military service, or they are sent to jail. No one needs to kill themselves in time of war! Very well written!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 9/8/2016 3:57:00 PM

No one should be forced to kill. If more objected they would have to find a better soulution. This entry should do really great Andrea. It is very upsetting t o ponder. 7 ; )

Daver Austin

Date: 9/8/2016 1:52:00 PM

War is hell and it is insanity. How terrible to think that a part of being human is to be insane. Love, Dave

Supraja Kannan

Date: 9/8/2016 8:55:00 AM

A deep write Andrea...Good luck in the contest...

Lu Loo

Date: 9/8/2016 7:51:00 AM

oh wow! this is so terrible yet real life, sadly. Good luck lovely Lady :)-luloo

Probir Gupta

Date: 9/8/2016 7:02:00 AM

Exceptionally disturbing ... A fine factual poem ...

Viv Wigley

Date: 9/7/2016 7:52:00 PM

A terrible choice, with terrible outcomes either way. Fine write, Andrea, Viv x

Janis Thompson

Date: 9/7/2016 6:58:00 PM

Very moving. Hope it's not true. Best wishes for the contest.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/8/2016 8:46:00 AM

It's true, Janis. I know another one like him who lives today with both physical and emotional scars from atrocious acts of war. One friend of mine had been set on fire by his own Marine squad.

Daniel Turner

Date: 9/7/2016 5:18:00 PM

Don't we still have conscientious objectors here in this country. Very disturbing and truly sad, Andrea.

Jan Allison

Date: 9/7/2016 3:37:00 PM

Great quote and poem Andrea I am struggling with this theme:-( hugs jan xx