The Wreath, a Soldier Chronicle Pt. 1

A fine mist, hovers close to the ground,
But it cannot be a fog.

It cannot be, it's a hundred and three,
This is desert, not a bog.

Strain as I may, I still cannot see,
The earth, that lies beneath.

Until a man, comes into view,
He gently sets a wreath.

My camera softly clicks, but once,
At the Solemn view,

I caught his eye, he walked my way,
And whispered " who are you"

I said, I'm taking photographs,
To chronicle this fight,

Just then, the mist began to clear,
My eyes beheld the sight,

For what happened here, the night before,
The worst I had ever seen.

I could not bring myself to shoot,
I just could not believe,

The soldier pointed out a patch,
On a dead mans arm,

The Stars and Stripes,smeared with blood,
Protects me from all harms.

I bowed my head, tears filled my eyes,
At the carnage I did see,

These men and women lying here,
Bravely died for me.

As I raised my head, to thank him,
The soldier with the wreath,

He briskly turned, stood up straight,
I could barely breath,

He raised a stiff hand, to his brim,
Slowly let it fall,

Then suddenly he disappeared,
If not there at all.

I walked among the fallen troops,
Looked down, could not believe,

The soldier that lay below me,
Was the one that set the wreath.


  To the Soldiers of Desert Storm
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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

Meade Stephenson Avatar
December 5, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Another of your marvelous writes my love....a poignant tribute to our men and women in the armed forces~Hugs~Mary
Culverhouse Avatar
December 2, 2009 at 6:18 PM
very moving poem, nice tribute to the soldeirs
Moreno Avatar
December 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Poignant words depicting a tragic time. Nice work and God bless...Raul
Pickett Avatar
December 2, 2009 at 7:23 AM
This poem goes directly to my favs..... I am glad you posted this pop.... You knew that I would react this way huh???? Can't wait for the conclusion, that one is going to my favs as well......:JP]
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace