A Soldier Cries

He's used to war, he fights real hard,
He's a soldier, he's battle scarred.
The enemy is weak, there is nothing to fear,
His compassion is gone, he has no tears.

He was taught well, was taught how to kill,
He's done it so much, it's lost it's thrill.
He no longer feels bad, when the enemy dies,
Tears don't come any more to his tired eyes.

In the beginning it was against his will,
But he soon broke down, and got used to kill.
Never thinking that his foe, was also just a man,
Like him with a family, doing the best he can.

He cannot have feelings, for anyone,
But then, for a moment, he thinks of his son.
He wants to go home, but it's not time yet,
So he goes back to a war, that he wants to forget.

Next day on the beach, on his tour of duty,
Lies a child's body, on the coast of Turkey.
He cannot believe what he sees with his own eyes,
A cute little boy, with no signs of life.

Lying face down, right there on the sand,
He picks him up, with his big strong hands.
And when he saw that there was no hope,
The soldier realized he could not cope.

He shuddered deeply...letting out a sigh,
And that's when...the soldier cried.

Now the whole world mourns that little boy,
Many children elsewhere, receive another toy.
Yes, people stand by, while these refugees die,
Some see the news and say, please...pass the pie.

John Derek Hamilton   September 04,2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Fleming Avatar
September 4, 2020 at 11:05 PM
Thought I would start at the very beginning, John...I find it is usually the best place to start. I know this is listed as a narrative...but, again, this would do very well when set to music. No problem for a man of your abilities I am sure. All the very best, John! :) john
Hamilton Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 6:28 AM
Thanks John, I wrote this after seeing photos of that little Syrian boy dead on the beach, it really impacted me and I felt compelled to write this!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 9:55 AM
This gave me goosebumps. That last line a punch in the gut. An incredible pen John, thank you for suggesting it. Bless and thank you for all your support :) xomo
Hamilton Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 3:04 PM
Thanks Maureen, these are my favourite kind of writes, poems with a message, it may not change the world but at least creates awareness and...hopefully empathetic feelings for those disadvantaged ones, thanks for the kind words.
Ashley Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 9:00 PM
I am proud to be the 1,501st person to have read this amazing, mournful and powerful write. Another 'needs to be told' write John that you do so well and you told it with much sensitivity, dignity, beautifully rhymed rhythm and grace. Your last line cuts to the chase.., well said and well done my friend!
Ashley Avatar
September 24, 2017 at 8:32 AM
I agree John, and I think this poem definitely achieves your goal, especially how your last line calls out the apathetic in society. I remember this story well, as I am a news junkie, the feelings that overcame me about the plight of this beautiful boy and so many others--you give a strong eloquent voice to their plight. Hopefully empathy will make a come back...
Hamilton Avatar
September 24, 2017 at 7:55 AM
Wow thanks Susan, I think my favourite type of poetry has a message, and hopefully causes others to reflect on how they think and feel about societal woes.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 7:27 AM
A wonderful write! I just watched Hacksaw Ridge. Loved it. A man that joined as a conscientous objector. I think I said that correctly. I also do not want to shoot, do not want to kill. I still feel people have a right to protect themselves but it is not in me. Nice write, my friend!!
Hamilton Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 9:46 AM
Thanks Kim, this was the first poem I posted, it got a lot of attention because of the Syrian boy who was found dead on the beach in Turkey, it was a turning point in public perception. I also wrote a poem called conumdrum, conscientious objectors, maybe you would like it. Thanks for visiting so many of my poems, so kind of you!
Smith Avatar
May 15, 2017 at 12:30 AM
This is, very touching John. Nice job!
Hamilton Avatar
May 15, 2017 at 8:19 AM
Thanks Jeremy
Marie Avatar
April 14, 2017 at 7:56 PM
I really enjoy your 'message' pieces John. They are thought provoking, insightful and make me 'think'. Poetry to me is not all sunshine and roses, though I like those too, life is not 'one dimensional', these pieces are vital to promote awareness which I am hopeful will effect change. Very tough to read, I can only imagine the writing process. I just saw this poem was honoured. Congratulations, a most worthy piece. This is one to be proud of:)
Hamilton Avatar
April 15, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Thanks again Lynn, to me if a poem doesn't make you feel something or think deeply then I would rather not write it!
Marie Avatar
April 14, 2017 at 7:29 PM
I thought it overdue to visit your first poem and Wow..what a stunning, powerful piece. Your words convey so much emotion that is just heartbreaking. This hits close to home for me. That sweet little boy's aunt lives 20 minutes away. She was in the news regularly, a newspaper cartoonist drew a beautifully sad picture of the little boy that will stay with me for life as will the photo you aptly put to words. A wonderful, thoughtful piece that is tragic for all. We must not forget. blessingsxxx
Hamilton Avatar
April 14, 2017 at 7:44 PM
So true, and yet they keep on dying. It was the picture of that little boy that got me started writing again. Thanks so much for reading this one, and for your thoughtful comment, this one is special to me!
Haight Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 8:49 PM
John, congratulations on your 1st Place win! Sandra
A  Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 3:42 PM
JOHN, Congrats on your old best poem. HUGS **SKAT**
Kruger Avatar
October 13, 2015 at 11:35 AM
Every now and then I read a poem that leaves me speechless. This is one of them.
Hamilton Avatar
October 13, 2015 at 7:17 PM
Thanks Neil I am speechless also by your comment, surprised really that I'm getting so much positive feedback. Thanks again John Derek Hamilton
A  Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 12:32 AM
Hi John, Welcome to Poetry Soup. It will be a delight to read and become familiar with your poems in the future. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs* SKAT
Hamilton Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 7:03 AM
Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to read your poems as well. John Derek Hamilton
Munoz Avatar
October 1, 2015 at 12:12 AM
Wow is all I can say. Well written
Hamilton Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 7:04 AM
Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it. John Derek Hamilton
Godwin Avatar
September 30, 2015 at 8:28 PM
I wish this touching and beautifully written poem were fiction, but that makes it all the more relevant. Your true words have great rhyme and flow. Anyone unafraid of facing truth needs to read this dynamic poem. Thank you for writing it ... CayCay
Hamilton Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 7:06 AM
Thanks for your kind words. Truth is difficult, but needs to be told and heard. John Derek Hamilton
A   Avatar
September 30, 2015 at 7:50 PM
Hi John, WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you have fun with this wonderful community. You'll find many friendly poets who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I will enjoy following you and your poetry when you are ready :) We are Lucky To Have you. Enjoy Poetry Soup:) Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
Hamilton Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 7:07 AM
Thanks for your kind words. John Derek Hamilton
Mason Gibbs Avatar
September 30, 2015 at 6:37 PM
Very good and heartfelt poem, well done.
Hamilton Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 7:01 AM
Thanks for your encouragement.
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