O'Er the Battlements I Do Roam

O’er the battlements I do roam 
in a place far away from my home.
Seeing first-hand the horrors of war
longing for peace from all the blood and the gore.
Sleep, it escapes me as I lie down for the night.
I still see the faces of the men I did smite.
Visions of soldiers I once called my friends
Lying dead on the fields, never to see home again.
Once great cities broken and crumbling away,
a terrible price for all who did pay.
Yet in the end as victors we stand
O’er the tyrants who ruled with strong hands.
Homeward we travel leaving behind 
all the horrors of war to a place so sublime.
Our families they gather to carry us home 
to write down our thoughts in the lines of a poem.
Still as we sleep the demons do come
to remind us of things we long to be gone.
Yet as we wake screaming in fright
we pray to the Lord to make it alright.
When does it end the horrors of war?
When the forces of evil are finally no more. 
4/8/2013
Terry Burns
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Anglesey Avatar
April 30, 2013 at 8:55 AM
I saw this mentioned in comments on another poet's page. The title is stunning as well as the picture you paint of the war many of us only see and may not feel as deeply. Your poetry brings greater understanding.
Hendricks Avatar
April 16, 2013 at 3:55 PM
I can well imagine the demons you guys have got to live with. Your phrase "FORCES of evil" is scarily accurate. Good write, Terry. :)
A   Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 9:26 PM
Terry, a nice and awesome win... Congratulations with your awesome #1. I love many of Andrea's favorite poems. always~ Good Night* PD
Oyewole Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 1:12 PM
Congrats on your win... I enjoyed each line... though sad.
Bacha Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 10:19 AM
Yes Terry, this is what i went trough war in my country Lebanon for 16 years. I don't know how i made it, so sad, congrats on your win, well deserved. Love Terry xoxo
Bacha Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Yes Terry, this is what i went trough war in my country Lebanon for 16 years. I don't know how i made it, so sad, congrats on your win, well deserved. Love Terry xoxo
Eastman Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Tremendous write about what few can understand... You make us see it thru your eyes... Congratulations on the win.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Congratulations on you win with this wonderfully moving poem.
Sister Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Oh Terry, you really hit a home run on this. Touched me so for all the victims of war, ESP. The soldiers. J.
Johnson Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM
Well written. The horrors of war. Civilization lags in this one area. So ridiculously slow to learn. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Gasun Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 12:47 PM
I salute you for this great poem of yours my dear friend Terry! Big warm congratulations on your amazing write and grand win! Thanks a lot for sharing your poem. So enjoyed! love and hugs, Leonora
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 10:47 AM
many congratulations on your win Terry xx
Dietrich Avatar
April 13, 2013 at 8:01 AM
Terry, I do not believe I had ever faved this one, but it is a very strong poem, and I'm giving it a fave!
A A Avatar
March 8, 2013 at 11:17 PM
Terry, My heart goes out to you if these words are a reflection of your life. At least you have your pen.
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