There he stands in uniform; strong and proud and bold
Epitome of manhood, just nineteen years old
Strongly proudly arrogant, boot camp has done that
Everything is shiny from boots to badge on cap
Insolent in many ways for he’s a different breed
Earnest young marine, to fill his countries need
First to California where girls are mighty fine
Drink their beer from jugs; only poofs drink wine
Home on leave you see him, leader in the making
Off now to Iraq, yet few risks will be taking
Re-enlists while over there, can’t say the reason why
Been involved in fighting, knows that he might die
Doesn’t bother going home, nothing for him there
He has looked death in the eye; he has felt real fear
Next tour is a bad one, sees many buddies die
Now a very different looked etched into his eyes
Two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, take him from the fight
Send him home to tell the people what we do is right
Put him in dress uniform, parade before the crowds
No longer the young man who once stood strong and proud
A waiter drops a plate; the soldier hits the floor
Eyes a haunted microcosm of the things he saw
Sleep was once so beautiful, now it twists and turns
Raging acid memories, deep within him burn
Now he’s out of uniform, no longer strong and bold
Mere illusion of a man, just twenty-three years old
A contest entry
- in memory of those who served and fell and those who survived by camo.egg.army.gurl.
1800 points, ended June 9, 46 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
All feedback welcome especially critical feedback
Comments
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An amazing write.
Very moving and heartfelt.
Well done.
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thanks for entering and good luck in my contest
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Paul Hardcastle made a video/song about the Vietnam War titled Nineteen (because that was the average age of the soilders serviing there). The line about being 19 reminded me of that song.
Your poem is a good reminder that sometimes the people that come back are the walking dead, having seen more and lived more than a person should.
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Ah yes... the terrible cost to lives ended in war and to those who survive as well.
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