Song of a Battlefront Soldier

The drum in my dreary chest
Beats and booms to the rhythm
Of coughing cannon

The commander at the backline 
Sings the soldier’s motto and stomps succinctly 
Underneath the uttered ululation
Lay a lean line going thus:
“Turn back to your tomb”

“Destroy the enemy”
‘I will dodge the diving bullet’
“Protect your country”
‘I will protect my dear life’
“The country sent you here”
‘Poverty drove me here’
“Time to act is now”
‘Indeed; well said by a backline commander’

This is not our battle but my battle
I will battle with rage like a belittled bear
And conquer the enemy and the immortality fear
My household awaits my back sojourn with sunken hearts
It is their smiles and not
The dutiful salute by the commander
And a firm handshake that feigns friendship
That commands my commitment
In a dingy hut I will sit
And listen to my grandmother's tales
As I watch my grandchildren grow
Someday
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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A   Avatar
August 29, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Arnold, CONGRATULATIONS !! On your poem being featured this week. Stopping by to read every poem on the home page. have yourself a wonderful week,..Linda
Mutugi Avatar
August 30, 2011 at 5:33 AM
Thanks Linda.Have a brilliant week too
Brown Avatar
August 29, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Congratulations Arnold on your fine poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Mutugi Avatar
August 29, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Thanks Carol for your compliment.Am humbled.
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