The Injured Soldier

He fell, fell to the ground
At the gunshot that created such a sound
Nobody took notice of the injured soldier
He was left there lying as the war grew thicker.

He screamed from the pain growing in his shoulder
Nobody realized the pain he would suffer
Trampling feet and screams grew monotonous
The injured soldier tried to ignore the pain that was so venomous.

He made a decision for himself
If he was to survive he'd have to help himself
Nobody was going to come to his aid
Not when each one was looking out for their own head.

He winced in pain as he got to his feet
He wouldn't give up now, not when he still had an army to beat
His shoulder cried out to him in vain
He had already chose to ignore the pain.

He took his rifle up
He adjusted his helmet and refused to give up
He kept fighting till the war was over
Each soldier fighting for their country, their home and their lover.

When the war was done and the battle was won
Every single soldier put down their gun
the injured soldier's shoulder still bleeding
now blinded him with pain and made him lose all feeling.

This time they gave him attention
This time he was treated to friendly affection
He wondered what would have happened if had given up that night
Would they have still won after all that fight?

But he was glad he hadn't for he would have been seen
As a pitiful injured soldier who wasn't keen.

It's the choices we make
And the chances we take
That set us apart
Only when, of course, the decision is made from the heart.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Soka Avatar
October 23, 2018 at 8:43 AM
sharp message thanx for sharing Sahitya
Joshi Avatar
March 6, 2017 at 11:57 AM
Hi, My son would like to perform this poem in his school in a speech competition. Would you be ok with this? Also, could you provide any background to this beautiful poem? What made you write this? Any other background about yourself would be appreciated.
Poonacha Avatar
March 6, 2017 at 12:17 PM
Hi Mr. Joshi, I would be honoured to have your son perform my poem. I wish him all the best for the competition. I wrote this poem in 2011 and I was just a fifteen-year old girl struggling to cope with my teenage years. That's where I drew the idea of the 'injured soldier' the soldier represents me and 'injured' represents my self-esteem. I was not able to find my confidence and there was a lot of turmoil otherwise in society that I read in the news everyday. This poem was written just to give everybody, including myself a little hope. I am truly delighted that you find my poem to be beautiful. Thank you so much.
Manning Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 9:02 AM
Hi! My name is Claire Manning and I am a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant currently working in Sliven, Bulgaria. One of my students is competing in the Bulgarian English Speech Tournament and would like to perform this poem. Does it have an ISBN or has it been published anywhere? If not, would it be possible to obtain a letter granting my students permission to perform them for this competition? We would greatly appreciate it! Best regards, Claire Manning
Poonacha Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 9:18 AM
Hey Ms. Claire! I am Sahitya, I am so happy that your student wants to perform this poem during the competition. I would gladly give you a letter granting permission as the poem doesn't have an ISBN. Would an e-mail do as post would take forever to arrive as I live in India?
Brown Avatar
September 1, 2011 at 9:55 AM
So much emotion flowing in the poetry I am reading today and so diverse. I am happy I was able to read your wonderful poetry today Sahitya. Have a wonderful day and I will be back soon to read more of your writing. Love, Carol
Pickett Avatar
September 1, 2011 at 9:51 AM
A very nice flowing poem here Sahitya, Very thoughtful. God Bless....Taz
A   Avatar
August 31, 2011 at 11:58 PM
A very strong poem..never giving up... decisions.... what a take. Thank you for sharing your poem,..pd.
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