My Fallen Brother

White marble stones
Stand proud in the sun
To remember my colleagues
The heroic fallen ones
 
Many a battle
Many a campaign
Some did return
For some never the same
 
On the green grass i stand
Blue sky above
The souls of my comrade's
Like peaceful sitting doves
 
The name on this stone
Reminds me of the day
My best friend and brother
Was taken away
 
An offensive was launched
Brothers at war
Bunker to take
At the top of a tor
 
Smoke screen exhausts the view to the hill
As we wind our way through
Zipping bullets, blood spill
Noises of lead, as they rip through the flesh
As we hit the barbed wire
Now a scarlet stained mesh
 
Objective in sight as we approach our aim
As i hear the groan of the injured
Many dead and maimed
 
Grenade pin pulled 
Bunker window we lob
Hands sweating
How many lives will we rob
Explosion flash with shouts of pain
As the smoke lifts on this bloody terrain
 
We enter the Bunker
To witness our task
The enemy lie distorted
Faces grimace, death mask
 
I turn to my brother, to signal its safe
As a shot rings out, in this theatre place
He stands still for a moment
Eyes glazing and cold
The death of my sibling
At 19 years old
 
As i open my eyes, and turn to my son
I see what i had, as he holds my grandson
Family values, love and a bond
As i remember my brother
Of whom, i was so fond
 
I proudly walk past, salute as i go
The white stones standing proud
Peaceful doves in a row
I find my self fortunate to stand here and tell
To talk of my brother, and the fallen as well


http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/war-2.php
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Ruble Avatar
August 19, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Very good write,loved it,thanks for the comment on my poems as well.I am so very glad you are proud of your flag,to many people take life for granted and do not respect it,I try to remember all the fallen and all yet to fall and respect what I have in life.Thank you for reminding me of that. A friend always,Charles Ruble.
Nutter Avatar
August 1, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Excellent write James. I found myself lost in the verses seeing the battle and hearing the battle. I was overwhelmed at the sheer volume of poems you possess. Off to read we are Marshal. Thank you taking the time and reading so much of my poetry and the wonderful comments. It means even more seeing what a talented individual you are.
Keogh Jr. Avatar
June 18, 2009 at 10:57 PM
James, this really builds well. I like the accretion of detail. " Scarlet tained mesh" is a compelling visual. You really felt this and it shows on the page. Not too much to quibble about here. The ending has a sense of basic power-commerical, but effective. I like this better than some other poems that I have read on this subject. This is a keeper, to be treasured and passed on to your progeny. Regards, GK
K Avatar
May 21, 2009 at 4:54 AM
So sad...brought tears to my eyes....good write
Devonshire Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 2:17 PM
James, you have been "tagged" in the Soup game. Please read the poem and tag another! Love, Carolyn (soup mail for you momentarily to explain the game)
Chircop Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 2:17 PM
this is deep sad and true,if only wars would come to an end--great write and tribute for honoured hereos---charma
Devonshire Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Your memoirs from the battlefield are only surpassed by your pride in both your brother and the fallen comrades. James, this is brilliant! It reminds me of how it felt to walk through Arlington Cemetery near Washington, D.C. How sad your brother died so young, but I love hearing of the values your family inspires, especially your grandson. Excellent writing again, James! Love, Carolyn
Higgins Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 1:44 PM
This is a powerful write my friend..each stanza is very strong..you make the reader feel the pain...very well written my friend.
Mckenzie Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Wow what a attribute to all the falling soldiers in any war every line was heartfelt and deeply sad. Someday our humanity will find a way to stop the wars and live peacefully! Very Well done! Laura :)
Leccese Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 12:42 PM
This is great! I was in the Air Force and we helped out on a lot of Army ops. This is exactly as it is right now in the desert. Very touching and truthful! Nate
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