Warrior

 

I killed a man, a week has passed

Since I did see him bleed

And as he died in his daughters arms

I did not care to see

 

The horrid look upon her face

As she stood and stared at me

I feel no shame in what I’ve done

For God and my country

 

In my own land, I would be hanged

Instead their praising me

I’ll have a throne when I get home

The riches mine to keep

 

The desert’s cold at night

And there’s a prophet after me

The smell of lead and burning dead

It haunts my mortal sleep

 

 

 

 

When I was a thoughtful boy

Of seventeen years old

My father looked me in the eyes

And wicked tales he told

 

Of dying men in foreign lands

And medals for the brave

I promised I would follow suit

If it meant an early grave

 

So three long years, I’ve come and gone

And done my job with grace

An armored man with burning rage

An enemy to their race

 

I can’t say that I haven’t tried

To forget about the pain

I feel when I kill men with pride

The fear I’ve gone insane

Reviews

[Light]

This good! This poem has a beautiful rhythm! At first when I read this I had a soldier in mind (due to the photo, no doubt...not every soldier has a choice...all throughout history soldiers have been conscripted and forced to fight, not of their own will), but it's a "Warrior" we are talking about; someone who has dedicated his mortal life to taking the same from others. Someone who feeds off the strife of war; how terrifying! In this case a remorseful warrior. It seems the toll of taking lives is a heavy one. Following suit of his farther for promise of an early grave...to shorten his mortal days!...anyway, I'm getting lost in thought...great write!

-light-

[Angelalala]

very strong amazing piece. 4th & the 6th are my favorite stanzas. a lot of strong imagery here. what better way to die then sacrifice. really a darkly beautiful and striking write.

[Kes]

This has great flow and rhythm. It's a similar beat to one I use quite a lot. It's just great, isn't it?!
But, yeah, this was breathtaking. I don't believe in War. I believe in self-defence, but I refuse to believe in force; in attack. Strangely, that can be applied to everyday life. Never start a war.
Great message in this, truly, and a great read.