The field lies in wait as the drummer's beat rolls on.
Ratta-tat-tat-tat-tatting--the fife begins its song.
Who will witness your last battle? Who will covet your last breath?
Who in your doomsday glory will watch the last rise and fall of your chest?
Did you sign up for valor? For unsung glory and for fame?
Did you think you'd lie here waiting--a soldier with no name?
In peaceful nights below a paling moon turned red,
You guard as a sentinel among your kindred dead.
The bullets no longer graze past you. No more of your friends fall down.
But in your sleep--death's slumber--the war plays without its sound.
The drums they still roll onward and the fife still plays its song,
And in your mind you hear it, calling loud and strong.
And those who still are standing, shake their heads and sigh.
Upon your lowly gravestone--there's not a name to cling to--
Just a question: Why?
Author notes
This was kind of inspired when I was able to visit Gettysburg..I tried to make it 2 rowed words just like the graveyard that has no names in it..
Written August 4th, 2005
A contest entry
- I want some family on AP. by Deindichter.
300 points, ended October 23, 2005, 5 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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cool
The bullets no longer graze past you. No more of your friends fall down.
But in your sleep--death's slumber--the war plays without its sound.these lines are great,,and i love the ider,, its sad but,, too me the war that just keeps going past the heros that would believe they fought the last fight,,but didnt,,
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Anthem for the Doomed Youth is indeed a very wonderful poem--but sadly too true about war. much appreciation to you for looking at this one.
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Oooohhh I do like what is going on here. Very W Owen style of critical reflection of wars futility:
Anthem for the Doomed Youth:
What passing bells for these who die as cattle?
- only the monstrous anger of the guns
only the stuttering rifles rapid rattle.
This really struck a chord:
Who will witness your last battle? Who will covet your last breath?
Who in your doomsday glory will watch the last rise and fall of your chest?
Maybe because I listening to some Audioslave and its late and the coffees run dry................
Real good SoaC -
this is was so beutiful i must say on of my favorits. but it expecaialy touched me because i have friends in iraq at the moment making this poem even more quietly deppressing. great job and congrates on winning this contest!!! peace to all ~flight
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Well.
my God. I loved this! Honestly such a beautifull flow, wonderful idea to tribute to a nameless soildier.
I was moved.
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