Soldier
We’ve laid down our swords
And hanged up our shields
But the war still rages on in our hearts
We’ve tamed the warhorse
His saddle rests in the stable
But his stride still charges our frontlines
Our trenches buried
A soldier never stops his march
It will continue to consume him to his own end
And all those close to him
Will be his unintended victims
On the battle brought to his doorstep
So we’ve built a war machine
To deliver nothing less than glory
Designed perfection in total destruction
He moves with stealth
His existence camouflaged
You’ll never see him crumble as he salutes you
Honourably discharged into a violent society
Opposed to his order and discipline
To endure sounds of gunshots and chaos in the streets
Forced to relive his nightmares
Of exploding missiles and discharged mines
Screams of the dying and the agony of the wounded
Staring into the empty distance
He sees the worlds he's helped destroy
Following orders to protect and serve his own
He understands the sacrifice
As he holds his child in his arms
How he gave new life with his gun’s final breath
Surrounded by loved ones
Desolate as an abandoned battlefield
Missing the lives he's lost...dreading the lives he's taken
Explosions in his head
Shrapnel in his heart
He's a spear thrown deep into enemy territory
...I salute thee brave knight
For I sleep inspite of war tonight
A war once ended peace will endure, but yours is uncertain
Tribute to the Soldier!
A brother, a warrior...a sentinel...a hero
Thabang Jan Ngoma
07-17-2015
Sponsor: Kelly Deschler
Contest Name: Men Only #2
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
