Ode To The Returning Warrior

ODE TO THE RETURNING WARRIOR

Copyright 2017 - Richard Martin

 

The smell of death is about you. It’s odor remaining even after the water has cleansed away the blood, the tears, the dirt of a hundred days. When awake, the smell is always with you. Even today as you walked through the petals from the spring trees, it hung on you like a rotted garment, overpowering all other scents no matter how sweet they may be. And when you sleep, that cursed aroma of cannon, of death, of fear; it covers you like a sickly fog, clinging, dripping.

The look of battle is upon you. In the sad and weary lines that now furrow your young face. In the distant gaze of your eyes through which the many horrors of the conflict have passed. In the halting step and stride, once strong and light; now heavy with the knowledge that death is no respecter of men.

Take heart O soldier. You have stood your ground as those around you fell. You have answered the call to go forward when your spirit bid you turn. You have comforted a dying comrade and brought home his final words. You have done what must be done, yet took no pleasure in it. For those that could not go, you went. For those that would not go, you struggled. For those that dared not go, you did your best.

Come home now our warrior. To the peace that you have won for those of us who stayed. Rest now from the conflict and learn again of life. Embrace once more a sunrise where no enemy lies in wait. We rejoice in your return to us, we honor your sacrifice. With outstretched arms we welcome thee, with waving flag we greet thee. As freedom rings, we thank thee!

 

This poem is about: 
My country

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