Ashes Form a Man

a poem, its not that long, just read it instead of this description, hahaha

I'm off for hell tomorrow boys,

Can't say if I'll return.

So hold me close to heart and soul,

And stay warm while I burn.

---

Eighteen carefree years ago,

Right up to the day;

This world was born for us boys,

And we let it play.

Do you remember all those years,

We thought that we were men?

But as they now draw to a close,

We are but boys again.

Do you remember songs we sung,

On magic summer nights?

When fireflies and starry skies,

Were our only lights?

---

Well now this world's no longer ours,

It plays these games no more.

Battles which were just for fun,

Are now a full blown war.

Now this world expects us,

To fight along and kill,

The men who put peace in our hearts,

And gave our lives their will.

I'm off for hell tomorrow boys,

I'll fight with all I can.

But when boyhood dreams are burned in hell,

Their ashes form a man.

So even if I make it back,

I'll be among the men.

Who are yearning, ever yearning;

To be a boy again.

---

So come on boys, before I go,

Let's sing us one more song.

Grant this, boyhood's dying wish,

In hope, through hell, he may live on.

Author's Note

this has already been up here before, as i said in the description

for those of you who had not read it before, i hope you enjoyed it
for those of you who had, i hope you enjoyed it again

for those whom it was in their favorites, im sorry i took it down and feel free to add it to your favorites again, haha :)

Reviews

[Marie Anzalone]

I am glad you put this back up... and it is going right back in my favorites, where it rightfully belongs. This work shows tremendous insight on your part, and you have nailed the sentiment of war with words so perfect I think many of us wish we had thought of them. A nod of recognition to you, my friend, on such a fine piece of work. This one garners the highest rating I have ever given on site, shared by only a handful of others.

[Leira]

hey john! its been a while but i just wanted to say you capture so much more than i thought possible to put into words with this one. i appreciate this poem as somewhat of a release of my own emotion that i havent been able/known how to express since being in the military and for that i want to say thanks :)

[Gangsta Possum!!]

Wow! I truly loved this poem. It was so meaningful. You word choice is great. I don't really know what to say - I'm kinda speeckless at how amazing this is.

[Anxelin]

wow, I felt like I was there standing in the ranks listening to this...
good job
I really liked it =)

[cest la vie]

Looks like I am late to the party..
Outstanding poem.. as a veteran, I relate to his on many levels.
Your other reviewers have stolen my words. I will add that this is truly noetworthy and should be reuired reading by all...Wonderful!!

[The Wave]

wow,
the first stanza immediately draws u in to continue to read on.. my fave lines are:

"Do you remember all those years, We thought that we were men? But as they now draw to a close, We are but boys again."

overall, this is a very strong piece... great imagery, and loved when you repeated that one stanza over...the only thing is after i read it, i forgot it.. and had to read it over again... not sure if thats my fault or if this lacks a certain something....but all in all,
good job

[Legion]

"But when boyhood dreams are burned in hell,

Their ashes form a man."


Those two lines right there sum it all up and should be considered a classic statement. Brilliant write.

[Georgia Gypsy]

This is great! I didnt read it the first time it was posted, but am glad i read it now!
It sings of patriotizm, and feels like it should be put to music.
The depth of your work here is awesome!

[Cool Handless Luke]

thanks for adding it again john - it really is a tremendous poem!