The Little Soldiers.

All the little soldiers walking in a row
Where they are heading, nobody knows
He tried to satisfy her
She tried to blow
But he was killing all the little soldiers
She didn’t know
Now the little soldiers were walking in his head
Every single day
Pretending to be dead
She needed love
But he was dead below
What could she do
She didn’t know
All the little soldiers tried to explain
They were just going home
Now they’re dead in vain
He couldn’t satisfy her
No matter how hard he tried
He couldn’t satisfy her
It was like everything had died
All the little soldiers walking in a row
Heading up to heaven
Waving as they go
He started to cry
She walked away
All the little soldiers walking in a row
Stopped before the gates
Waiting till he showed
He was now at peace
Forgiveness was bestowed
All the little soldiers walking in a row.

Reviews

[Beccy]

From reading the comments below, I seem to have taken something different from this poem.

All those little soldiers trying to go home but not quite making it seems wholly metaphoric to me, spoke to me of a different meaning to war, of one not between nations.

Sometimes the true meaning behind the words in such poetry can be hard to catch; but the interpretation, whether spot accurate, or wildly at sea can be the most intriguing part.


Beccy.

[Paul Bell]

You're spot on. The war maybe over by nations.
But there's another war going on. This one never stops for leaving soldiers. Which then moves on to relationships, which also suffer.

[Gee]

Couldn't imagine being the fella that blew the whistle to send thousand to their death, as they clambered over the top to meet the enemies chattering guns. Never any winners in war, never.
An adult nursery rhyme, skilfully penned.

[Paul Bell]

Yes, definitely no winners in war.

[Great Aunt Astri]

This is a bit like a grown up nursery rhyme. 'All the little soldiers walking in a row.' And nursery rhymes actually have very deep and hidden meanings! Yes war must be completely de-personalising-- body and mind must go numb. I think your poem can also be taken as a parody of everyday life which can sometimes be a bit of a war! Your poem is very powerful and though the end is sad, I am glad he was 'now at peace.' Good write.

[Paul Bell]

The scars from war will heal. The psychological scars do the real long term damage. Who would be a little soldier.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me so much of Nick in The Big Chill---

the mind was willing, but the body no longer...damn Wars...

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, no one with a bit of sense shouts charge.