Randy Freie Poet Rhyme

One Tin Soldier Stands Tall

There to seize the day, ten thousand strong 
Thru ramparts ravaged, by savage throngs
So they raised their flag, and sang their songs
Ten thousand soldiers, would march along

In cadence count, on account of wrong
The Colonel shouts, Boys! we'll march till dawn
With heartened hearts, meshed with steel sarongs
Ten thousand soldiers, that march like Kong

Their shadows shortened, like the day is long
Soon nearer death, but now the Colonel's gone
They were not so clear, where they belonged
Bewildered soldiers, lost voice for song

Swore to fight the fight, but thought it wrong
As a fearsome force, awaited dawn
Still, they breached the fray, ten thousand strong
Only one tin soldier...marches on!

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Gershon Wolf October 7, 2026 at 8:51 PM I really go for war and military poems, in case you have not noticed yet. This one captivated me. It may seem jovial, but I find it profound, as soldiers without s/o in command often -- not always, as sometimes a brave soldier steps up to the plate -- resemble chickens running around with their heads cut off. btw: iamstillnotanaya

I Am Anaya October 6, 2026 at 10:38 AM Randy, beautifully written, classic cadence. Always important to know what we're fighting for & to support what we're fighting for.⚓️, 🗽 Is this for Columbus Day...? “Sailing the ocean blue in 1492” here we call it Indigenous Day after the discovery of Columbus being the savage. 🥹🙏's for the sailors especially who've endured the Iran battles~ Blessings I Am Anaya October 6, 2026 at 11:14 PM Short for Juneau...did his shore duty in Whidbey island...that was an interesting time 1997-99, 🤭 ( Sammy Hagar concert) at the Gorge then Sunny San Diego 😊 Randy Freie October 6, 2026 at 5:46 PM Aah, the Juno! My Dad served on the USS Saratoga, CV 60, as for me, the Navy gave me the Byrd! The USS Richard E. Byrd, DDG-23. They should have called it the "Bucket" in reference to the movie "Mister Roberts," their pet name for the "USS Reluctant," my sentiments exactly. Poor morale, from "petty" officers! I Am Anaya October 6, 2026 at 12:12 PM Thank you for your service! ⚓️ I've been there, a Navy wife (husband) in the Navy USS Juno! I wrote about the sailors of the USS Lincoln...https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/destiny_john_william_waterhouse_1900_1844486 You don't have to but if you'd like here is the link😊 Randy Freie October 6, 2026 at 11:49 AM Hello Anaya, as second generation Navy, I was appalled at the treatment of the sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln! I witnessed enough of that, forty years ago, during my enlistment. I also witnessed the criminal over billing on manifests, of simple, every day items, with monolithic price tags! They're robbing us blind! And yet, we are aware of their crimes, and say and do nothing! Shame on US!