The powder monkey
Lies dead on board
His fifteenth birthday
A silent chord
When battle ceases
They bury the dead
Collected fragments
Legs, arms and heads.
The cannons will rest
Metal to cool
Day to night
A weeping moon
To watch over
Bodies strewn
Mothers children
Dead too soon.
War is war
The Captains say
They will write a book
Make battle pay
While powder monkeys
Mothers pray
Alone at fireside
It is the way.
-
Author:
nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson) (
Offline) - Published: August 19th, 2026 03:05
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 53
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Syd, Carlos Alberto BUSTILLOS, Tristan Robert Lange, RSM0812
Offline)
Comments5
I know what they were and a sad image is created by this poem under a ironic name that evokes initial mirth. Well written my friend
thanks and appreciation my friend
You are most welcome Norman
Hi Norman, such an awful life it must have been. Working as a powder monkey will have been a dangerous occupation. I live not far from Hartlepool whos people famously hung a (powder) monkey.
- Syd 🍄
I actually live in Hartlepool, thanks for the read my friend always much appreciated
It's a small world Norman. I was only there on Sunday, at the cinema with my son. I'm close to Peterlee.
Yes a small world, but I wouldnt like to paint it lol
Good write N.
If we believe in evolution, there's monkeys too at that bus stop. Some have evolved into humans while waiting! lol.
a natural progression over the centuries of waiting, bloody no 7 lol
Ohh, let's try a different route! Will the, e.g. No.4 or No.11 bus arrive? lol.
I only wanted to go into town lol
You only wanted to call into town for a loaf of bread, as the saying goes?! lol.
AS THE SAYING GOES LOL
Who said that - 'I only popped in for a loaf of bread'?
A corny joke appeared online: 'I'm on a roll with this bread!'
I am lacking carbs lol
What a devastating piece, Norman. The violence is immediate, but the deepest wound belongs to those left grieving while powerful men turn slaughter into legacy and profit. Sadly, humanity still has not learned. Excellent write, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
spot on comments my friend not much changes in war, thanking you for read its always much appreciated
Brilliant write my friend
thanking you always much appreciated friend
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