Susan Ashley Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

December 9, 2025

~ First Place ~
Contest: The Selfish Egos of War
Sponsor: Craig Cornish

 

* Although this poem is posted as a Rhyme, this beautiful format is actually a Cinqopet (sing-ko-pay), a novel, musical poetry form created by fellow Poetry Soup poet, Gregory Richard Barden. 

Greg's poetry form "consists of five stanzas of five lines each, with the rhyme scheme AAABB, CCCDD, etc, the first three lines of each stanza are in Iambic Tetrameter (eight syllables, four iambic feet) followed by two Catalectic Lines (seven syllables, three and-a-half iambic feet), and at the very end a tag - this can be anything you want, another rhyming line, a single word, another stanza, whatever you choose, but make sure it's separated from the fifth stanza." For the purpose of this poem, I tweaked the number of stanzas from 5 to 6 before the tag.

---

 

The Selfish Egos of War

In savage streets it’s hand to hand
once shrapnel rips the air that’s damned,
no sin of ego in this land.
Baptismal bloodshed echoes
through rust and rebar ghettoes.

There’s bullet swarms and rocket rain
but infantry must hit terrain,
forget I’m sane and rupture veins
with melee-trench-knife flashing,
the bane of peace doves, slashing.

I wear their red of death and drive
my blade abuzz in hellish hive
to stay alive! Yes stay alive!
The apathy of killing,
and twisting morals willing.

My heartbeat kept, a victory,
it pounds just like artillery
but prized, despite the misery.
A witness to destruction
and holy soul’s corruption

and christened by the selfishness
of presidents with negligence,
we soldiers march with evilness.
The narcissistic leaders,
the preachers and the breeders

of rhythmic spates in drumbeat hate
unfurl their nation flags and fate
in bloodlust war… while heads of state
stay combat clean in bunkers.
I witness gurgling utters
        
     your last and bloody gasp for “mama”.

      I grasp with greed my breath in chest.
   Thought ricochets inside my skull;
I’m still alive!  I'm still alive!   I'm still alive . . .

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

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

Timothy Ray August 10, 2026 at 3:08 PM I chose this one because it deeply reminded me of one of my favorite Robert Service poems, "The Mourners". Your poem so beautifully describes what sets up his poem, filled with great visuals as well as the eternal intent of war itself. I especially love the notation of the dying calling for mother, which drives deep within. It is an honor when one poet brings you into the quill of another poet. Thank you Susan.

Valsa George July 9, 2026 at 11:05 PM In a strife ridden world, it is a wonder and blessing that we are alive. Sad that in the warfront, to stay alive, one has to kill others.Humanity struggles for existence in a war torn world. While the poor soldiers are exposed to rain of rockets and swarm of bullets, Heads of states who instigate war stay safe in bunkers. War is caused by the whims of narcissistic leaders. A powerful poem using choicest words. Sweet Susan, you delineate the horrors of war using powerful images.

Frank Sheehan February 9, 2026 at 6:33 PM Powerful piece. It rings of truth. It reveals the evils of humanity. Susan Ashley February 14, 2026 at 7:47 AM Dear Frank, thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. The "evils of humanity" reach new heights of horror during wartime from top to bottom of the chain of command. Your visit and comments are truly valued. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Suzette Richards January 12, 2026 at 2:21 AM An uncomfortable truth: Those very leaders chafing at the bit to instigate war, expertly relying on the populace to want to "settle old scores" to come aboard, while they languish in luxury in their bunkers or dance at themed parties ... You have captured the essence of this topic well, Susan. Susan Ashley February 14, 2026 at 7:42 AM Dear Suzette, thank you for your thoughts, they are truly appreciated. I'm glad to know that the core message resonated so strongly with you. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Paige Hind December 9, 2025 at 6:32 PM This is raw writing, just like the topic needs. Awesome work- needs to be read Susan Ashley December 31, 2025 at 9:55 AM Dear Paige, thank you for your gracious visit and soulful thoughts. I'm so glad to know that this poem touched you the way it did. Please accept my apologies for my late reply to your stirring and much appreciated comments. Warmest wishes to you, my dear poet friend, for a happy and healthy new year.. ~Susan