The Unknown Soldier
This is just an attempt at poetry I thought i'd share. It was influenced by stories from retired soldiers I know. It's nothing much, but I was happy with the way it turned out. All feedback is welcomed, but please make all criticism consturctive in nature. Thank you.
Prologue:
With empty brass lining the way, a lone soldier wanders the fields wounded physically and emotionally. A bare field, the stage of each army's conquest, is silent with reflection on the battle. It's vast landscape has become like the center of hell, fires raging and coated with blood.
Killing is a new art to the soldier, one which proved to be the greatest obstacle to conquer in this field. Presumably the last of his men, he stubbles on to a destination unknown through a path of bodies riddled with hot lead. These corpses lying now hollow, and void of life he once called brothers, but now they are nothing more than silhouettes, reminders of why he is here.
With his wounds draining the life from his own body, he battles his will to survive. He hears a voice of strength talking from within, but it only brings an encouraging message. Death, confident it won't be denied, manifests itself in the form of an enemy soldier.
The Unknown Soldier
**For now the only one left is a burdened man
left to die in his fields.**
He will survive, surely he can!
Said the voice, hope being all he wields
**Though not far off, a man approached
Only death was on his mind.
Blade in hand, spotted the soldier.
An enemy of his kind.**
" What now o' soldier so lost?
Does your heart beat for fame?
For one more blow yields the truth, your fate shall be the same. "
**One thrust of the blade and blood was shed
the soldier now more than half dead.**
_Strive for more and deliver
mind not, it's only a sliver_
" What's this he pulls from his waist?
A gun, oh the coward's taste. "
_Soldier, fire now and leave no more
but beware your newly burning core!_
" Ready to fight?
Ready to try?
Why now...Why wont you just die?
These fields hold nothing for your sake
though the images still make your mind shake. "
Forget them all for your sanity's sake...
" I stab and slice yet your blood still flows...
how so from a man with so many woes?
Give up now surrender at last
remember the hell of times past! "
_Yet only strength do you show now,
for your still here some how._
" Enough of your games weak one,
it's time to see the light! "
Foolish mortal, how long will you fail to see his might?
" Pull the trigger and set me free
if you have the courage or will for it to be. "
_Send him death since so eagerly he will wait.
Now is the time o' soldier, do not hesitate..._
**With nothing more than a single shot,
left but a body, soon to rot.**
**The soldier regained himself,
for only a minute it would seem.
Before breaking down and wondering if this was but a dream.**
**However, reality would soon set, his time was now.
He would make it through this all, some how.**
_One more body, well done my friend.
Keep in mind, here death is yours to send.
Cry no longer, prepare for more
For now ready you are, this is war._