navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » Tale # 35
Open Poetry #45
Post A Reply Post New Topic Tale # 35 Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Gunslinger
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901
TX, USA

0 posted 2009-07-10 05:16 PM



Ah, how I hate the grit an' dust-
Wha' come in desert lands.
The thirst, the burn, the smarting eyes…
The dry and cracking 'ands.

The bloody wogs wi' sword and gun…
The outpost long forgot…
An' legionaires the Frenchmen sent,
An' left out 'ere to rot.

Scurvy, aye, no fruit about-
The water scarce an' bad…
When yer pinned down, for near a week,
No water to be 'ad…

'Twill make the foulest smellin' scum
Like nectar to the taste.
An' make men fight like ravin' wolves
An' not one drop to waste.

Aye, fought I did, a legionaire…
Stranger's we were called,
For money, for adventure, or…
For nothing we did fall.

I've breathed the dry North Afric air…
Eat bread, drunk water stale…
For wha'? I dinna really ken,
So goes the Traveler's Tale.


© Copyright 2009 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
1 posted 2009-07-10 09:09 PM


This describes exactly how I feel about the desert but being from he Northwest I guess that's to be expected. I never understood why anyone would volunteer to fight in the desert.
                          Ida

Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
2 posted 2009-07-10 11:53 PM


I like the desert, but I have never really been thirsty.  Lucky, I am.

Alison

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #45 » Tale # 35

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary