navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #49 » Soldier, Soldier.
Open Poetry #49
Post A Reply Post New Topic Soldier, Soldier. Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Cari
Member
Posts 411
Englnand

0 posted 2016-07-20 01:23 PM



Soldier, Soldier.
*
*
Don’t think
React
Got a problem?
Sort it,
Preferably with an SA80
Don’t knock on doors
Break them down

There are only two guys
The good guys
And the bad guys
What about the innocent?
Not your concern
Follow orders
What you joined for

Truth
Lies hidden
Airbrushed in layers
Of convenient excuses
Stand tall
Cry the hero worshipers
That we may preen our feathers
In the shadow of your glory

Patriotism spreads its syrup
Thick on receptive minds
So do not disappoint us
Be worthy of our expectations
For we the public are fickle creatures.

So no more Viet-Nam when uniforms
were unwelcome on our streets
and our spit was your welcome home.
*
*


A controversial poem but poets, in my opinion, shouldn’t shy away from controversy.
Love of ones country is a wholesome thing, naked Patriotism is something else, as it provides simplistic answers to complex questions.
In the chess game of conflict the common soldiers are the pawns, expendable and to often are there too take the blame when it all goes wrong.


[This message has been edited by Cari (07-20-2016 06:16 PM).]

© Copyright 2016 Cari - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
1 posted 2016-07-20 02:41 PM


I will never forget those bad, sad days. Got into a few fisticuffs . . . and one thrown television set . . . Sad, sad times . . . Remember when police were called "pigs" to their face. At least they weren't cold-bloodily killing them like they are now.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2016-07-20 04:49 PM


Truth is truth and making people think and feel is important. That is what good poetry does... and this was very good poetry.
Ari Squire
Member
Posts 488
In The Phallus Lane
3 posted 2016-07-22 02:31 AM


I put Vietnam behind me when I came stateside, and I've never looked back.
War is inherent in Man's nature. History, present times and prospects of the ongoing conflicts tell us that of all things, war is here to stay until a power greater than Man''s intervenes. Some say it is so, others believe Man can still fix what's broken. Innocents are collateral, part and parcel of war. Considering the worldwide epidemic of war, the last thing anyone should concern themselves with is "controversial" poetry. Seems mild in contrast to the realities you yourself are aware of as a veteran. I admire your skillful pen Cari

Loving Linny Jean is poetry.

Redstart
Senior Member
since 2014-05-16
Posts 535

4 posted 2016-07-31 05:08 PM


Articulate, and to the point. One day we will sort the bad guys from the good guys. If we have to become the beast, to defeat the beast. What's the point?

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 #49 » Soldier, Soldier.

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