The Walking Wounded

The Walking Wounded

A Poem by SteveB

WALKING WOUNDED

 

We are the walking wounded

bearing the scars of life

our striped backs showing the marks

of each well laid lash

each blistering cut

each stinging mark

each cut and bruise

a blood soaked memory

of failure and fear

of rejection and reverse

the crushing burden of regret

 

A record of our lives

to be traced by the marks

left at our scourging at the pillar

 

We are the walking wounded

more than our wounds

though they help define us

and shape us

and make us who we are

 

We are the walking wounded

continuing to limp along

leaving bloody footprints

as we drag ourselves along the lonely path

 

The walking wounded with bent backs

carrying our box of memories

trudging ever forward

wiser for the wounds

as we gaze fixedly

upon the promises that remain

© 2013 SteveB


Author's Note

SteveB
A work in progress. Suggestions, comments, rude noises are all appreciated

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Featured Review

I will refrain from a public display of rude noises...hahah
a box of memories being carried by bloodied feet...
I have been through a lot in life...a lot...
but I will cherish my box of memories and I will cure my bloodied feet
what else is a life's soldier to do?
Raise a white flag...I scoff at that...hence more bloodied feet but
feet that move non the less*)
thank you sir, for sharing...like this much darkening enlightenment*)

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thank you so very much.



Reviews

Better, really like this one, the imagery and bits of metaphors. Superb.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

High praise indeed. Thank you very much. And thank you for taking the time to read some of my work.
To me this poem is about empathy. We are all, indeed, the walking wounded. I like to that you ended it with hope. Ever forward, friend.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Have to keep the hope. Despair is the only unforgiveable sin.
Nicely done Steve...our scars and wrinkles and everything else tells a story of lifes journey...Enjoyed:)

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thanks Rose.
"We are the walking wounded
bearing the scars of life
our striped backs showing the marks
of each well laid lash
each blistering cut
each stinging mark
each cut and bruise
a blood soaked memory
of failure and fear
of rejection and reverse
the crushing burden of regret"
Wow. You have summed up the human condition (s) marvelously and I do like how you repeat and emphasize the facts of it all. Well done as always poet...:)

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thanks Sami
Sami Khalil

11 Years Ago

You are welcome...:)
"Wiser for the wounds..." Every scar is part of us, teaches us lessons learned no other way... A great analogy here, Steve.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thank you Rita. We of a "certain age" can learn in no other way.
I will refrain from a public display of rude noises...hahah
a box of memories being carried by bloodied feet...
I have been through a lot in life...a lot...
but I will cherish my box of memories and I will cure my bloodied feet
what else is a life's soldier to do?
Raise a white flag...I scoff at that...hence more bloodied feet but
feet that move non the less*)
thank you sir, for sharing...like this much darkening enlightenment*)

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thank you so very much.
no rude noises...i like the metaphor here...

the use of the physical scars from war, to show the mental and emotional scars from failed relationship after failed relationship...

the wounds do pile up...and they get harder and harder to hide.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

SteveB

11 Years Ago

Thanks Jacob. While they get harder to hide it becomes easier to accept them as part of who we are.

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Added on June 27, 2013
Last Updated on June 27, 2013

Author

SteveB
SteveB

Nanuet, NY



About
Trial lawyer, fly fisherman, poet and dad. I have written most of my life but upon reaching a "certain age" I put aside fears and insecurities and began submitting work for publication and performin.. more..

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