The Sergeant
Contest Title: Rumi Quotes Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Sotto Poet
Deadline: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Poem Title: The Sergeant
A man of honor, he lived by a code,
Like a man from a time not his own.
He stood in the gap, and made no complaint,
Not a word, not a sign, not a groan.
He shielded his men the best that he could,
From the enemy and the damned brass.
Tough as old leather but kind when it counted,
But ready to fight with purpose and power.
When men were missing or counted as lost,
The Sergeant would often walk alone.
To see him like this was proof enough,
The Sergeant had no heart of stone.
After the war with orders in hand,
He returned to from whence he came.
With memories of battle and blood,
And the bodies that broke, or the lost names.
This man who faced fear with grey calm eyes,
Couldn’t face the losses he grieved.
Self-medication the order of the day,
For the broken good man who had led many.
He’d give it all to bring the lost back,
For himself he wouldn’t give a penny.
An older Vet from a war long ago,
Knew well the struggles he faced.
And brother to brother, a true, open heart,
Listened as the Sergeant talked and paced.
The struggle was slow and bitter the pain,
The Sergeant lanced with each broken word.
Ever so gradual, wounds began to heal,
And a quiet strength was restored.
Through brotherhood and that steady hand,
A willingness to finally understand.
What others may shy away from,
But a brother was there for me.
Poet Notes:
Quote: "The wound is the place where the light enters you." (Rumi)
This poem reflects the journey of a combat veteran who, after years of bearing emotional wounds, finds healing and acceptance through the dedicated support of a fellow veteran ("a brother"). The internal pain gives way to a deeper, more profound strength and peace.
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