A SOLDIER'S LAST WORD
*So, this is something I wrote in 1990. I would have only been around 15 years old and definitely not an expert on war. My attempt at writing something that wasn't about romantic heartbreak, I think. I truly hope this does not offend anyone. I have nothing but love and respect for all of our soldiers. Love, Eryn*
A SOLDIER'S LAST WORD
Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it back.
But I am here, fighting in Iraq.
The people I've shot, I've lost count. Thirty five?
And I have no hope, to make it back alive.
I'm getting called out, to end this war,
But I don't have the strength to fight anymore.
People say that I'm brave, to come over here.
But inside I'm scared, I shake with fear.
It's hard to believe, I've just now shot another!
But I was raised to treat you as a brother.
Please stay with me Lord, stay in my heart.
Don't let this war tear our world apart.
"Oh God, I've been shot!" cries out one of my men.
Two, three, four...he's shot down again.
As he lies on the ground, we all saw and we heard.
A fallen hero die bravely, and a soldier's last word.
Poetry Written By:
Eryn Dunbar
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Comments
The Emotional Tug-of-War:
The poem does a stellar job of showing the dichotomy between duty and personal fear. It's like the poet is wrestling with his role as a soldier versus his human emotions.
Brotherhood and Betrayal:
There's a deep irony in the lines about treating enemies as brothers yet being forced to shoot them. It's a reflection on the senselessness of war where ordinary folks are turned against each other.
The Human Cost:
The count of enemies shot juxtaposed with the fear and hope of survival paints a stark picture of war's toll on the soul. It's not just about physical survival but also about maintaining one's humanity.
Cries for Divine Help:
The plea to God for guidance and not to let the war tear the world apart adds a spiritual dimension to the soldier's plight, highlighting the desperate need for peace and understanding beyond the battlefield
The Hero's Fall:
The ending, with the cries of the fallen soldier, brings a tragic closure, reminding us of the individual stories behind the casualties of war. It's a somber note on heroism, sacrifice, and the often overlooked emotional and spiritual battles fought by soldiers.
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Your poem, while grim, serves as a powerful reminder of what us soldiers endure, the contradictions we live with, and the universal wish for peace. It's a call to remember the human behind the uniform.