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Still Here

I've seen trebuchets thrust rocks into crowds.
I've heard the weeping of the wounded pray.
I've walked through blood clad fields and screamed aloud.
Not a sound or even a whisper came.
I've felt the bite of water and of flame,
The warmth of friendship, the breaking of bones.
And I've heard the drafters call out my name,
Said goodbye to everything I have known.
Marched on crimson ground as the sunlight shone,
Held our flag in victory and disgrace.
Celebrated as the bodies lay prone;
The memories I wish I could erase.
Still those faces haunt; those faces of fear!
Long gone they are and yet I am still here.



NOTE: This poem has caused some confusion, so I'm just clearing the air. This poem is fictional and not based on any personal experience.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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Horsman Avatar
May 21, 2020 at 2:13 AM
Hi Timothy, taking in your first post, so glad i did, an amazing sonnet..
Pigeon Tart Avatar
May 6, 2020 at 7:52 PM
My first thought was vampire, reading the note after the first couple lines ;), xomo
Delaney Avatar
February 5, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Hi Timothy: I have never looked back to see your first post. You have amazing insight for one so young. Thoughtful beyond your years. You are a true born Poet. SuZ
Minardi Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 12:32 AM
wow.. i've missed a lot of ur powerful poems.. this one is very sad, as if he wants to die so bad than has to face the bitterness of loneliness.
Duncan Avatar
June 13, 2013 at 12:40 AM
I like this,,,, sounds like your a vet ? Thanks for liking "monsters' I've written others like this Twisted Love is one ;}
Hicks Avatar
June 13, 2013 at 11:34 PM
No this was just my imagination actually... appreciate you going so far back into my poetry page. That in itself makes me really happy!
Bono Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 8:31 PM
I can feel the emotion in this one.thank you for your kind comment on the poem butterfly dreams that richard wrote for me.He is a kind man with brilliant words.he makes it look so easy.take care.
Hicks Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 12:31 AM
Thank you Colleen! And yes he is a very kind person... always thinking of others.
Carrillo Avatar
March 22, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Timmy; I had to go back and read your first poem. I like it. It seems that you went through a lot. I always help out the Disabled Veterans, because my brother Served 20 years in Special Forces. He is not disable and I hope neither are you. I have a poem here ( Ode To A Veteran ) You too will be one of my heroes. You are still here for a reason. Thanks for sharing. Welcome...... Lucilla
Hicks Avatar
March 22, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Thanks for the kind words Lucilla! I will send you Soup Mail explaining more about the poem...
Breidenthal Avatar
March 18, 2013 at 1:41 PM
This is drastically beautiful - the bittersweet of war experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece - it's one of those that sticks with you, like a memory. Very nicely written! Always, Laura
Hicks Avatar
March 18, 2013 at 8:47 PM
That really makes me happy to hear you say that! Thanks for checking out several of my poems... much appreciated!
Gigno Avatar
March 17, 2013 at 6:19 PM
!!!
Hicks Avatar
March 17, 2013 at 10:52 PM
So happy to receive your, as you call "exclamations of excellence" :D
Dietrich Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 6:36 PM
Timothy, are you speaking from experience or just imagining? I ask because your picture makes you seem very young. and this looks like the experiences of a guy who has seen far too much of battle than anyone should have to see. My son was a Marine but never had to actually go to war.He got out right after 9/11. I commend you if you have served in war. Also, I really like your poem here. It was nice to see your very first post here.
Hicks Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 6:40 PM
I'm glad you asked that, yes I am quite young (eighteen to be exact). The subject of war just moved me so this is not from any ACTUAL experience on my part. Thanks for your input!
Jordan Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Unlike you and Douglas, I've not walked on crimson ground. Your poem though paints word-images so fully sufficient that I have no doubts about what that might be like. Jack
Hicks Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 12:07 PM
Thanks again for taking the time to read! Always appreciate the feedback...
Fulghum Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 6:12 AM
Very nice Timothy, I like it. I have also walked on crimson ground. If you get the chance, check out my sonnet "The Duet". Thank You for your comments on "Flip Of The Coin" & "To Let You Go". Your feedback is appreciated. My view is that "a thought" rules supreme over any established rules or format. My goal is to evoke the reader's emotion. A laugh, a tear, or understanding far outweighs any rule. Douglas
Hicks Avatar
March 9, 2013 at 10:12 AM
How true! The rules should conform to what YOU want to say, not the other way around. The thoughts of the poet take precedence over all else when writing is involved...
Posey Avatar
March 8, 2013 at 5:49 PM
Well done, Timothy. I believe you will agree that I share your emotions when you read "What Would You Have Me Do" or "The Men Who Died Too Soon" found on my page.... Welcome to PSoup..... Jake
Hicks Avatar
March 8, 2013 at 7:24 PM
Thank you! I've been on a few forum sites, but I'm so far liking the thoroughness of all subject and forms concerning poetry... this is my first post on this site.
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