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The hundredth man to die



They laid him in the ground today,
Five hundred lined up along the road,
Hundreds of tears were flowing,
when a bomb made the truck explode.

With hundreds of training hours
Along with hundreds of fellow men,
Comrades driving the road to Basra,
To never breathe life’s air again.

Follow orders, driving tanks on a mission,
When upon them, there came the attack
Hundreds of men had gone before him,
A hundred coffins brought them right back,

A useless waste of a brave young soldier,
No chance to kiss his fiancé goodbye,
Another life wasted, and all for nothing
He was the hundredth UK soldier to die.

~~~~

Dedicated to

Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke

24 years old

Second Lieutenant
2nd Battalion,
Duke of Lancaster's Regiment





© 2007 AnnD (All rights reserved)

Author notes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/6347027.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6366129.stm

A young local soldier was buried today, just a few miles away from where I live,
yet another useless death from a useless war.

My heart goes out to all his family.

Not asking for comments. Just venting.

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Comments

1 - 66 of 66
  • glenn thorn
    July 14, 2008
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    This is a good dedication to all soldiers...Good job


  • daviscth silver member
    July 13, 2008

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    I'm so glad you took the time to write about this young man. So many that die are only just a number to people. It's great that you gave this hero a dedication all his own.


  • Amunet Wolfbane Moderators member
    January 30, 2008

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    What a hard hitting piece, you cannot help but to feel the impact of this. This is solid and a wonderful dedication. It literally gave me chills to read it. >:D<

  • Celticmoon gold member
    January 30, 2008
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    I could not agree more. We loose precious lives every day and for what? Does anyone truly know the answer? So young they go off to fight and yoo soon are they laid to rest. My heart cries for each soul lost in needless wars each day around the globe. Excellent Ann!


    Keep it forever flowing!
    Blessings
    Bel

  • Midnight-x-Rose gold member
    April 12, 2007

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    Hood wink

    You are totally right... War is useless. We gain nothing wrong fighting and I can't see how politicians try and make us think otherwise. A war to end all wars... Fighting to stop a war is like killing animals for the sake of vegetarianism... What use is it? Hypocritical and disgusting. This society is wrecked half the time. The other half, it's buggared. Sorry, but that's my opinion these days with all this society going down the drain. Beautifully illustrated though and love and light for sending love to those you don't even personally know.

  • MysticAngelEyes
    March 24, 2007

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    Such a touching piece, sofull of heart and soul, it's terrible all the lives we lost beacuse of this war, very nicely done.

  • Sandi Alford gold member
    March 3, 2007
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    At what number will they say STOP? One was too many.
    a heart touching pen which should be sent to those 'in charge' though I wonder if they really care, if they did, I would thing an end would finally come.
    Great vent, Muse on!

    blessings Sandi


  • Jacki D
    March 1, 2007

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    Heartfelt

    Martin Luther King Jr said something like how can Man pray for peace and prepare for war. This poem was very touching. My heart breaks daily for the lifes that are lost in a war w/ppl whose goal is to die for that is where they believe they will recieve their reward. How can a war be fought when it is like that? Wars have been fought in the name of religion forever. It seems like we would learn, but no. We went over there to force demcrocy on tribes of ppl who have fought their own religious wars as long as such things have been recorded. Families hearts are broken. Our country is once again torn. Centuries ago it was reversed w/the Christian Crusade although w/o the technology.We need to fix ourselves. Yes the ppl over there are suppressed, but from an old saying...our dog ain't in that fight. Yes Sadam was an evil man but the more we find out the more we know we are fighting in the wrong area. Troops from other countries are pulling out leaving the USA on their own. Another thing the way they showed Sadam's execution was so wrong. We have let the fear of our foe cause use to become just like them... my opinion anyhow. All of our badass threats have only made use more foes and we are spread thin.We are hated. I agree the war should have never happenned. Geo Jr. is only fighting his daddy fight. Sorry for carrying on and prehaps not making alot of sense but reading this piece made me vent also. May this all be over soon is my wish but I think it's only the beginning. Jacki

  • nothinghere silver member
    February 28, 2007

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    I think about every soldier I hear that has died, and died for what.... another wasted life, and loved ones left behind with a loss they will never get over.... you have captured the emotions of everyone who thinks about these men and women, so well, it deserves so much more than a few clappy hands

    Karen


  • LadyLavender gold member
    February 28, 2007

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    This truly, truly touched me...I feel that this needs to be published on a national and international level. So moving...God, I feel this...I really do.

    Amazing write!

    LL


  • EmeraldDreams
    February 28, 2007

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    So very poignant and moving. Truly a touching piece, that makes us all think about the pointless loss of lives this stupid war is responsible for.

  • catz Moderators member
    February 28, 2007

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    So many young soldiers and even more civilians have lost their lives in this war. It's heartbreaking to say the least. I think most everyone hates war and when it's a war that doesn't seem to make any sense, it's even worse. I so hope and pray that it comes to an end soon.

    Your poem is very touching and carries a strong message, one we should all take to heart. The dedication following the poem makes it even more poignant.

    love and
    Dee




  • Sharkbaitoolala gold member
    February 28, 2007
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    awesome write

    this is amazing. it really was the best i have read in all my years on AP. you my friend have a talent. i couldnt help but cry as i read each line. keep it up and never let your talent die.
    i honor you and your frined. may God bless you.
    love the shark


  • Whisper Mckee
    February 27, 2007
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    WOW

    You paint with words what happened. Sad and yes a waste.


  • micha
    February 27, 2007

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    so very, very sad, all this life, gone and it is quite painful, you have written this with passion and concern and the dedication makes it even more moving...
    Too many lives, we can only hope and pray somehow for resolution and who knows how long that will take...
    You've echoed a lament for all those lost lives...

  • LaamRa
    February 27, 2007
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    As the saying goes "to the victor goes the spoils of war", but I personally think there is no reward in a useless death from a useless war. Well written and I'll keep this soldier in my prayers.
    Peace & Love
    NOTWAR!
    Ra.


  • suseann silver member
    February 27, 2007

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    Ann honey,I'm speechless. This piece a profound emotion filled pouring out not only of your heart's intended message. But a shared wisdom of the view many take of the darkness of wars.Especially one that serves no one. Hopefully the young fellow in reference here. Felt his efforts were not in vain. God bless his immortal soul.Far too much lunatic greedy discision making seems the rule of the day on many issues being made.I've disagreed,as most Americans have.With this war being pursued in the manner it has been from almost the begining.It's allowed the scum terrorist cowards to escape justice from judgement of 911.Rest assured the majority of Americans are fighting the Bush administration's misguided attempts to continue this war. I've blasted,fired petitions along with many toward our governments febble minded misuse of power.And will continue to do so in every legal venue possible till it ends.God love all those who have sacrificed life ,limb and liberty in the unjustice of it.~~Suseann


    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 27, 2007
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      Thankyou so much Suseann for reading and making such a complimentary comment.
      I do not see any loss of life as being valid, wars are worthless, but yes, of course I am sure that this young soldier must mave believed fully in his own participation in it.
      It amazes me that our own prime minister announces that our english troops should be coming hom sometime during this year....... and in the next breath he is sending more out there. It totally confuses me the supposed logic in it all.
      Such a waste of life...... there is absolutely no excuse for it to my mind.

      Kindest wishes
      Ann

  • golden-angel13
    February 27, 2007
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    Amazing!
    Very moving, I loved it!

    Lauraxx


  • jayson48 silver member
    February 27, 2007

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    good poem
    but i am going to go out on a limb here
    and say, nothing is useless, to me, but life is so very precious and war is war, i like the emtion in the poem, and conviction that its wrote with.

    Thank You for the time
    and the poem... send it to
    the white house..
    many copies


  • loveless shadow
    February 24, 2007
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    awwww...

    My uncle is in the army so this really struck my heart!


  • Edna Sweetlove
    February 24, 2007

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    You may not be asking for comments, but you are going to get mine whether you want it or not. So here we go, will Edna be polite or critical?

    You are 100% right. Another young man's life thrown onto the rubbish bin of history by an unscrupulous and uncaring government, with its head up the USA's posterior. On the assumption that Blair will make maybe US$1m from his post-premiership lecturerships in the US, that would mean GB£5,000 per dead British soldier. Makes you think, doesn't it?

    And yes, you get 3 applauses for the moral point.


    • suseann silver member
      February 27, 2007
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      Ops! Edna.Your heart is showing.God love you.~Suseann

    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 24, 2007
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      Dearest Edna,
      I welcome your comment on this for sure. It is so morally wrong that young lives are sent out there just for cannon fodder and to what end.... none that I can see.
      I sincerely appreciate you looking in on this.
      Ann

  • silent bee
    February 23, 2007
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    i am from CA, US...and i just lost a friend a month ago in the war in Iraq. He was shot. this hits home. i've read another about war, and it too along with this one made me cry. it is so sad to hear of these lives lost. especially for someone else's fight, not any of ours!


  • Balladeer
    February 22, 2007

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    You vent well, Ann...and with good reason. War is such a terrible waste of human life.

    Nicely penned....


  • leander Moderators member
    February 22, 2007

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    Strong and powerfull...
    I just keep on wondering why in fact it is only the people, the ordinary man that sees how useful and stupid war is, while government keeps on believing they're doing something 'good for mankind'.

    They're one bunch of hypocritical narcists if you ask me. they love only theirselves and close family, only think about their welfare but don't give a damn about others... Feigning they do though, but just to get votes and (most important for them) as much money as possible for their ignorant ideas...

    Great write!


  • Sokarjo
    February 21, 2007

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    Deaths from wars are terrible and painful... but deaths from pointless, silly wars are infuriating. Excellent poem here.


  • Cyber Artist Moderators member
    February 21, 2007

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    Lets hope not too many more suffer. I wish our prim minister had the balls to start withdrawing our troops and let them fight it out on there own terms.


  • zhaniswolf
    February 21, 2007
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    oops

    excuse me; everything in the poem not everything in the war

  • zhaniswolf
    February 21, 2007
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    ditto

    great poem...i hate the war so naturally im agreeing with everything in it. keep up the good work


  • seraphim shock
    February 21, 2007
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    beautifully written, heartwrenching, and brutally honest wrapped into one poem. Awesome.
    Lizzy


  • oldmanriver1942
    February 21, 2007

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    You have said it all

    War is such a wast it proves nothing it gains nothing.
    5 stars. keep your quil sharp and the ink flowing


  • raulito
    February 21, 2007

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    Hundreds of men had gone before him,
    A hundred coffins brought them right back,

    the best lines.... I loved the repetition of 100.. good write.

  • Child of an Angel
    February 21, 2007
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    Hm

    Ann screw all the negative comments I write like this too often, flow smooow metaphor...ahhh It isa emotions pouring over the brim, I love it, And the people who REALLY matter love it so ehhhh beautiful job! We love you!!! Keep the pen flowing

    Emily


  • Salt Therapy
    February 21, 2007

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    I love this poem to death Ann It is perfect the way it is don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Lack of metaphors, what a lame thing to say on something like this. It has depth and powerful emotions which is what a true poem is. You spilled your heart out for him without even knowing him now that is true poetic love. ~ Kerri


  • Kristen Corpse
    February 21, 2007

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    The US has lost a lot of people, and it drives me insane that they are fighting a war that does nothing but cause families problems. I like the message in this piece. It packs a powerful punch and the last stanza really ended it nicely. Great job here my friend. I wish you the best.

    Love always,
    Kristen ♥


  • I write art
    February 21, 2007
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    Nice message nice flow

  • unknownpleasure
    February 21, 2007
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    Some problems with the meter in this one, strange extra syllables in words which really seem unnecessary.

    the use of 'explode' instead of 'exploded' in the first stanza really sums up what I hate about rhyming poetry.

    really liked the title, however...

    • suseann silver member
      February 27, 2007
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      Regarding your comment; How sad.

    • Kari gold member
      February 21, 2007
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      When you're venting you don't pay attention to stuff like that.You just write emotional and with your heart. That's why she says " Not asking for comments. Just venting. "This subject is a hard one to write about and she did a fine and touching job.

    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 21, 2007
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      Yup, I can agree with you there, theres certainly some polishing which could be done to make improvements.
      Maybe one time i will take another look at it and sort it.
      But writing it served its purpose for me at the time and that's what was important.
      Thanks for visiting

      Ann

  • Mis.Poe
    February 21, 2007

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    I didn't like the flow

    yet the poem clearly drew out the image

    yet lack of metaphors

    yet nice writ

    • Kari gold member
      February 21, 2007
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      Metaphors?? Metaphors are my form style and this really doesn't have any metaphors in it. It's upfront, clear and very touching. Reread it and see what I mean. Plus gotta remember..some of the best poems don't need metaphors more so not including this topic of war. It's a sensitive one.

      Kari

    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 21, 2007
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      Thankyou for reading and making a comment.
      lack of metaphors? to be honest, i never write metaphorically. It's really not my style and unnecessary for my purposes.
      I totally understand that my style is not to everyone's taste.... it's refreshing to hear that we don't all appreciate the same things.
      Thanks again for your visit.

      kind regards
      AnnD
  • Yvette Champ gold member
    February 21, 2007

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    God Bless you,this is poetry that pulls the heartstrings and tears spring,indeed a waste of life in the waste of war,I lost relatives that were peacekeeping in Northern Ireland,let me tell you that grief doesn't go away,we walk with it weighing us down and these boys are not statistics,the people of Iraq are not collateral damage and God Bless all those that grieve and those that are serving or who have sons,lovers and fathers there.Rest in peace Jonathon,rest in peace safe from the politics of men that wouldn't serve of their own accord in Northern Ireland or 'Nam,no the the two B's make us all pay for their decisions.Sweet mother mary,I wish we could all stop fighting and realize that no belief should harm ourselves or another,we are all sisters and brothers.Love,light and peace,Yvette


  • Babs Dee
    February 21, 2007
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    Too sadly true- the real outcome of being a soldier- cannon fodder!

    A sad and timeless tale. If only the soldier didn't have to fight. If only the powerful wouldn't expect the little person to do their dirty work....etc etc etc. If only the world...and people...were different.
    Babs Dee


  • Jadeheart 41
    February 21, 2007

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    Thank you !!

    I thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing exactly how I feel. I am the Proud Marine Mother of PFC David and now this pain all to well as get 100's of emails every day speaking of this and return condolences to the families of our fallen angel soldiers... This truly touched my heart and will so many others who truly and personnaly know this pain... God bless you for this write and may God Bless our Troops as they hopefully finish there journey home soon!!! Semperfimom39


  • Star Shine gold member
    February 21, 2007

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    I think these lines "Hundreds of men had gone before him, A hundred coffins brought them right back," say it all. I always wonder how many really ever "come back" from war at all, after taking part in such a thing. I can't fathom it, I know I do not have the strength of the soldier or the family who loses him. This was a sad, emotion-filled poem, well-expressed, and a tribute to the soldier buried there. Thanks for creating this.


  • Fallen One23
    February 21, 2007

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    This was an amazing and emotional piece. It is a very sensitive subject for me as well. Brought a tear to my eye and a funny feeling in my throat.
    "Follow orders, driving tanks, on a mission,
    When upon them, then came the attack
    Hundreds of men had gone before him,
    A hundred coffins brought them right back,"
    This last line here was so powerful to me. So true. So very true.


  • blueyez
    February 21, 2007
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    awwwwwwwwwwwws this is a beautiful dedication AnnD It is a shame that so many have to die.


    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 21, 2007
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      Thankyou for your comment Blue.... yes its not only a shame they die. but wrong too. they shouldn't be out there in the first place.

  • JeannieD Hunter gold member
    February 20, 2007

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    Oh Ann, this is a tragic thing. You are right, so senseless! You have honoured him and the others who have given their lives. Well done. Thank you for sharing.

    Jeannie

  • Tudor Rose
    February 20, 2007
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    To the point

    I think you did a great job on this Ann, seems no one ever gains from this other than goverments, a hero if you come back unscathed and a forgotton casualty of conciquence if you dont, one might say thats what you join the army for , one might say faced with war you suddenly get a reality check, either way war is sad and a waste of life with nothing to gain, have we learnt nothing, the human race is so primitive, anyway you did a great job Ann ,I think this would also make a good song.


    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 20, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thankyou Ben,
      it rather brought it home to me today listening to the reports of his funeral going on just a few miles down the road to me.
      It's just all such a senseless waste.

      Ann

  • galfalfa gold member
    February 20, 2007

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    awww Ann this is sad .....and just one of thousands upon thousands of deaths caused by a useless war.
    You've conveyed that well in this piece for every dead soldier was son, a father, brother or sister...a life extinguised and a family changed forever.
    A very good vent...bravo on this!


    galfalfa


  • grannyeri gold member
    February 20, 2007

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    It does seem like these brave young men and women are losing their lives for a battle that will never end. The more troops sent, the more antagonists unite to fight against these soldiers. Never ending it seems, no solution in sight either. Well written, sentiments well expressed in these lines - easy to read and understand how you feel about this. We have lost Canadian soldiers as well - for what?

  • andie11
    February 20, 2007
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    touching


  • Raven Tears gold member
    February 20, 2007
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    A sad but well written piece.
    You told the story well, it's sad to think that the wars never going to end and it's over really petty things as well.
    There's more important things at stake but they'll never realise that.
    Kudos Ann yay to you.


  • February 20, 2007
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    I LOVE This poem soooo much!

    I completely love this poem! I write alot of poems at school thats why my friends recomended this website. They all think that I write wonderful, depressing, and funny poems. I think that, that was one of the best poems I have ever read!


  • AnnD Moderators member
    February 20, 2007

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    Thankyou, it just got to me, listening to the news reports of this young soldiers funeral this morning. Such a useless waste of life

  • Peteskid gold member
    February 20, 2007
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    yes...

    " we see the lives that war does not return..."


  • Kari gold member
    February 20, 2007

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    Aw, this is so very said and a touching tribute.
    It's very heartbreaking of all the soldiers we're loosing..
    I feel for the family as well.
    Kari


  • Springheel
    February 20, 2007
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    My best friend went to Iraq yesterday.


    • AnnD Moderators member
      February 20, 2007
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      Thankyou for visiting my vent on such a sad topic, i sincerely hope your friend stays safe out there.

      Ann
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