Soldier Blue

His eyes were like eagle's, telescopic and sharp
reflexes came easy, time seemed to warp
a warrior in battle, his bullets caused pain
life left  them swiftly those that were slain

war was his master he felt no guilt
he laughed with his buddies, all the "beer" they had spilt
but now peace was his master, the nightmares began
the war had been over, so why doesn't it end?

the mind is a mystery, it stored all the horrors
now he's strung out on dope bewailing the sorrows
he suffered no injury during the war
but drugs were more deadly, deadly by far

its hard to believe, just a short time ago
this warrior in battle, a hero you know
then I heard "taps," playing softly, a final salute
a warrior a soldier just died in his youth
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
February 15, 2013 at 11:09 PM
So tragic a story you have woven. Good one, Joseph
May Avatar
February 16, 2013 at 5:23 AM
thank you Andrea......
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
May 24, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I lost two friends in Nam, and my brother is a disabled vet (also Vietnam). The war doesn't end with the homecoming. Too many, much too many.
Burch Avatar
March 27, 2012 at 7:49 PM
War...injures everyone...there are none who survive...PTSD...even in peace time...what an awsome requiem...very moving...thank you for sharing....I have enjoyed reading your poems...thanks for stopping by and reading/commenting on mine...big huggsss,love~deb
May Avatar
March 22, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Nice thoughtful poem.
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