At last, some time to catch my breath
– a rest, a respite in the fight –
How many times I parried death!
Bask now in this fast-fading light.
___Behold the whispering golden sea
___so wide – see it inside of me.
The day’s end finds this carcass sore
This tender flesh all fresh with pain
Yet still alive, this battered corpse:
Life seeps throughout my very veins.
___Look up and see the star-specked sky
___so high – see it inside my mind.
The first few fireflies appear
to fill the air. Behind me lies
the carnage of a duel: I fear
it’s me who lives, and me who dies.
___This tortuous trail, years from the start,
___is held, each mile, in my heart.
Ramón Rodriguez, LC, is a religious brother studying for the priesthood. He is currently completing his degree in the Classical Humanities in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Definitely a hero’s poem – like this a lot. Very well written.
Very nicely done. The meter, internal rhymes, and alliteration really carry the poem.
I was deeply moved by this poem. In war, even survivors are casualties.
This is very well done and very noble.
Excellent. Very moving, indeed.
Ramon,
I thought this nonce form a very felicitous instantiation of what it is that constitutes original poetry. Dig in your heels and give us more of this ilk.
A very well written poem concerning the physical and emotional scars of battle.
I most enjoyed the stark contrast between experienced horrors and the warrior’s undying ability to appreciate nature’s beauty.
Gallant, enduring and wonderfully presented.