You had taken a step onto that bone-dry terrain,
your weapon attached to your side
as sweat cascaded down from your cap above.
One last glance behind to observe your platoon,
the men you had grown to consider brothers
throughout the difficult time of transition.
Chinook blades blaring above your head,
the faint sound of nearby explosion penetrating your ears.
Throughout all the dust clouds,
hidden fear,
and streams of red,
you found yourself running towards death.
Your mother had pleaded for you not to go,
droplets raining down from her eyes as she clung to your shoulders.
Your father, stone cold expression laid on his face,
wishing you had never followed in his footsteps.
I-
did not try to defer you from your decision.
You were as stubborn as a bull, I could not persuade you,
nor did I want to.
This was your decision to make.
Life had taken a toll on you.
From the numerous amounts of judgement
and accusations coming from your hometown,
you had decided to leave that life behind.
The photos upon the walls can only do so much. Your remaining
cologne on the t-shirt I wear to bed
clings to my heart with an iron grip.
Your side of the bed cold like a blanket of snow,
the surviving uniforms neatly folded
within the drawer.
Leaving flowers on your grave,
mascara running down the apples of my cheeks.
I know you didn't mean to leave me here alone,
but it feels like heaven's just too far away.
-
Author:
Kodi Lenhardt (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 10th, 2019 10:53
- Comment from author about the poem: No, this is not based on a true event from my life. My boyfriend served in the military, as well as nearly my entire family. Ive never had to experience the loss of someone due to military action, but Ive heard enough stories, and decided to put the feeling into perspective. Some of the details listed within this poem are true, but the whole poem is not something Ive personally ever had to go through. My heart sincerly goes out to anyone who has lost someone who served. I showed this poem to multiple of my friends who have served and are still currently serving, and they all stated that they'll be showing their friends and that I should really consider posting it for others to see. So, here it is :) Thank you for taking the time to view it.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 29
Offline)
Comments3
Never nice to lose someone that way ..when I was growing up it was compulsory and it was excellent discipline but didn’t always end nicely ...emotional write 🌹
HI KODI ~ BRIAN HERE ~ Welcome to MPS you will find it an empathetic site ! Thanks for your first poem (and explanation). Excellent Structure ~ in free verse ~ but a sad Subject ~ Death in the course of Duty. It is very realistic but I am relieved that it is NOT autobiographical. I live near a Garrison Town with a Parachute Regiment and Our Troops often return badly injured or even (GOD FORBID) in a Body Bag. Most are YOUNG (under 40) and it is very hard for Mothers & Fathers (especially if they are Military). The ones for whom the Demise is worst are the Partners ~ their whole future is destroyed ! You have captured this scenario elegantly in stanzas 6 & 7 ~ Thank You !
MPS works by reading & commenting on each others Poems ~ OK. I share this site with ANGELA my FIANCEE. We have been 11,500 miles apart for 15 months UK & New Zealand ! Please check todays Poem *The Waitings Over* ~ Thanks !
Blessings & Peace & Joy
Yours BRIAN & ANGELA !
💙 🧡 💙 🧡 💙
While I am pleased this is not a true reflection for you, sadly it is for a growing number of people.... And you've written it beautifully and in such a respectful way, I imagine. Similarly, I haven't experienced this but you've done well, I think. Welcome to MPS.
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