Home » Poems » Paul Bell » The Old Soldier

The Old Soldier

The picture stared down at the old man

Good times, friends for life

The decomposing body was in its second year now

The dust and webs had cloaked him like a blanket

Giving him comfort that life denied him

Time ago, they would have classed him as a hero, time ago

The black van took him away

Eventually releasing the body for burning

The prayers were brief

His final epitaph came when the council cleared the house

The picture was the last to go in the skip

Glancing at it, the worker remarked to his colleague

Old soldier.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Randy Freie

Date: 6/3/2024 4:23:00 AM

As a veteran myself, I appreciate your words. How many forgotten soldiers have we buried in the name of God and country? How many more are yet to meet the same fate? Really nice Paul.

Paul Bell
Date: 6/3/2024 9:45:00 AM

Certainly in Britain, you're more likely to find ex-soldiers on the streets. God and country, it's a high price.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/20/2024 1:09:00 PM

Another wonderful yet very sad write/story. "Very Touching" So sad when life ends this way. I wish you would write more... Have A Great Day.............

Paul Bell
Date: 5/22/2024 6:24:00 AM

People just want privacy now. Nobody knows their neighbour.

Christina Bowring

Date: 5/20/2024 3:24:00 AM

Dear Paul, such a well written, poignant write. Truly awful to think of someone dying alone, ‘ The dust and webs had cloaked like a blanket’. Sad, haunting image. An old hero who should have been honoured left neglected. This is a very touching poem that makes the reader think and reflect upon how many will be in this awful situation. Real life. Real, true, thoughtful writing.Thank you for sharing.

Paul Bell
Date: 5/20/2024 9:52:00 AM

I think the days of neighbours has gone, they all want privacy now.

Emilia James

Date: 5/9/2024 1:25:00 PM

What makes this even sadder and more disturbing is that this has happened more than once somewhere. : ( Emilia

Paul Bell
Date: 5/11/2024 3:13:00 AM

Yes, it happens a lot.

Yolanda Nicholsen

Date: 5/9/2024 8:03:00 AM

This is emotionally moving very well written.

Paul Bell
Date: 5/11/2024 3:17:00 AM

Thanks, Yolanda.