Troubled Minds

As the Soldiers marched past proudly
       Beneath the clear blue sky
       Arms locked out, Thumbs pressed down
       Arms swinging shoulder high

       A cheering crowd had lined the route
       As they often had before
       To welcome back young heroes
       Who had been away at war

       They saw the crowds all cheering
       And saw still in their mind
       The death and devastation
       Of the place they left behind

       But with their mates they banter
       About the things they have seen
       And wonder if things had all gone differently
       What actually might have been

       What if that Land mine was not there
       What if the Mortar had just missed
       There would be one more at the bar,
       Sat with us getting pissed

       But time moves on and in the end
       They end up out in Civvy street
       Change uniform for casual clothes
       And trainers on their feet

       And even tho years go by
       And the Army is left behind
       Sometimes you're right back in the fight
       Within your TROUBLED MIND
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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A  Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 5:54 PM
David, Welcome to Poetry Soup. It will be a delight to read and become familiar with your poems in the future. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :) Drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs **YNR - SKAT
Alexander Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 2:56 PM
Very good David welcome to soup that's a 7 in my book
A   Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 1:08 PM
David, Welcome to Poetry soup, I hope you enjoy the community. Here, you will find friendly poets who enjoy supporting one another. I myself, enjoy reading and commenting those who want to be read. The only time I give constructive criticism is when a poet desires it. However, if for some reason the poem is not my field I will guide you to someone who is more qualified than I. Stop by and read one of my poems if you like. My poems are not perfect, but I have a feeling you might like one. I encourage you to check out the contest page and read to receive comments. Tell me a little about your poetic skills if you like. It will be my pleasure to follow and read every poem you post from here on :) We are Lucky To Have you. Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
Macmillan Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 8:35 AM
Profound piece and one that I am grateful you shared. Not one forced rhyme in sight and each line flows. What a way to dive into Soup! Hope you post more... Welcome to the site. When you find time, I encourage you to scout out what others have posted. The site is user friendly, the links are a-plenty and on the occasion we even have a poetry "bar" on the blogs where we analyze a published poem and occasionally slam tankards, as we disagree. Cheers.
Thompson Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 9:29 AM
Thank you very much, I usually put pen to paper when there is something on my mind or an ex colleague loses his fight againt PTSD, as a former soldier and a suffer it is my way of dealing with things
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