Paul Bell Poet Free verse

The Hill

It all came crashing down around us
Someone had to fire the first shot
He wasn’t happy
You killed him, that’s all wrong
The first shot is always a warning, it’s war etiquette
So strange, mother would have loved him, he had manners
God, she would say, you eat like an animal, use your knife and fork
Football mum, need to rush, big game today, come and watch us, it’s life and death
They wanted our piece of the hill
We wanted their piece of the hill
Rush, rush, take the hill, how many bullets can you kill
He wants to talk to them, Mr etiquette
You would be proud of him mum
So Polite
They shot him like a dog
Rush, rush, take the hill, how many bullets can you kill
We killed them all
It’s now our hill
Did you see me, mum, did you see me score
Were you too busy with your other son..

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Matthew Herfurth June 23, 2024 at 2:47 PM I wonder if the hill is grassy snot green or banana yellow or demon eyes black? Paul Bell June 24, 2024 at 1:58 PM Maybe all three.

Daniel Henry Rodgers May 23, 2024 at 9:51 AM Hello Paul, What a powerful and wonderful exploration of the complexities of human conflict and the consequences of violence. I loved the word picture of the chaos and tragedy of war, juxtaposed with moments of tender reflection and longing for familial connection. The contrast between the brutality of battle and the memories of a mother's love creates a deeply moving narrative that is touching long after reading. Your ability to capture such raw emotion is truly commendable. -Blessings, Daniel Paul Bell May 25, 2024 at 6:42 AM Families at war within war.

Charlotte Puddifoot May 22, 2024 at 1:54 PM there's usually a sombre message contained in your poems, beneath the black humour..this is a sobering one; you write often on war, do you have links with the military? Paul Bell May 23, 2024 at 7:11 AM Used to play soldiers, then they took my rifle away from me. lol

Silent One May 22, 2024 at 10:33 AM Not seen you write a melancholic poem.. this one is deep and emotive and that is a sad ending.. Paul Bell May 23, 2024 at 7:12 AM I know, need to cheer myself up with something funny now.