Soldier

Discuss the poem Soldier with the community...

https://www.poetry.com/poem/148166/soldier

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  PonteQueen

  Steve,I loved your poem the 'Soldier'.I guess you carry your badge of honor deep inside and hold it close to your heart,a inner flame to remind you of what you did for others that they may or may not appreciate,part of the life of the soldier.But most appreciate and although cannot feel all your pain,shed tears alongside and question like you the senseless act of killing another human being.We do forgive of course and commend your great courage and honorable intent to protect.Fabulous poem and very well written. more »

  LikeReply 13 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    While I appreciate the praise for poetry, I must be clear, as per the description above, that this is not autobiographical in nature. I was unable to serve due to a physical malady - back to be specific. This piece was written in first-person so as to lend a more emotional feel for those brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. I would never accept praise for something I have not partaken in, especially something of this nature. ;-)
    
    Thank you again for taking time to read my work and for commenting. :-) more »

    LikeReply3 months ago
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    npirandy

    Don't sell yourself short. You are obviously a true patriot who has been sensitive to the plight of the soldier. Although you couldn't serve, the fact that you tried speaks volumes. I have dealt with those who claimed to be something they're not. You are NOT one of them. Thanks for caring for those who don't flaunt what they've done. more »

    LikeReply 13 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    Truth be told - 1981 graduation year, plan was Marine Corp. Not to be. One of those lifelong hinderances that kept me sidelined on a few potential endeavors. I'm okay with it as I've had a full life with many jobs, hobbies and lives to keep me occupied. 1998 finally had the surgery - L4-L5 microdiscectomy. Back still gives me fits, but not to complain as I am healthy, fit and upright. more »

    LikeReply3 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    Just so folks know, my photo here is a Halloween costume I wore to a party at my cousins. That's how much I respect our military. Oorah!

    LikeReply3 months ago
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  npirandy

  Steve, you da man!! You entered this poem a month before I joined the community. It surely would have bested anything I could have come up with. I'm ashamed I didn't compliment you on it a long time ago.
  Well done, my friend! more »

  LikeReply 23 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    Thank you, Brother. While mine be of secondary nature as per mere words, those like you who have offered your service to our country are the ones who deserve accolade, hence. I appreciate the encouragement. It does not go unnoticed. See you around the yard. more »

    LikeReply 13 months ago
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  Giselavigil

  Sad but true. This is heartfelt. Great writing!

  LikeReply 13 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    As goes the waywardness of nations, so too a proportionate plethora of lives lost that led to it. There is a bittersweet irony in peace having born its fruition as a byproduct of war. Thank you for commenting, Gisel. more »

    LikeReply3 months ago
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  talygarza

  Deep description about the tragedy of war, heartbreaking very well written.

  LikeReply 16 months ago
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    Symmetry60

    Thank you very much. I deplore writing this style, but it does better in the contests, so here it is. LoL

    LikeReply6 months ago
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  robertrad2021

  Excellent poem.

  LikeReply10 months ago
  • 

    TortillasAreNotBiceps

    Good to see you, buddy. Thank you for the kind words as always.

    LikeReply10 months ago
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  Philipo

  Even without war, some are laughing while some are crying. At times it has nothing to do with illness or poverty. The rich also cry you know.

  LikeReply12 months ago
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    Symmetry58

    War is a single aspect and reality of this life, but not an only imperative that requires addressing. All humans are granted a faculty of emotion. Thus, all humans are equally prone to whatever sentiment a circumstance warrants, rich or poor. I appreciate your input, Philipo. Thank you, Sir. more »

    LikeReply12 months ago
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  Wildflower888

  This is heartfelt! It’s a striking masterpiece.

  LikeReply1 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Thank you. This isn't my preferred style of writing, but it fit the billing for this particular topic. Sometimes poetry writes us. I've deleted most of my better poetry because it seems most folks aren't interested if they have to think too much. Hence, I adhere to K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. LoL more »

    LikeReply1 year ago
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  Smariec184

  Love this

  LikeReply1 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    He shoots! He scores!!! Thank you kindly, Marie. I appreciate your time and your kindness. :-)

    LikeReply1 year ago
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  marie_k

  another great poem, undeniably real and candid for those of us who can really relate

  LikeReply 11 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    As well a staunch, hard reality of the entrails of war and those who suffer its fallout. I thank you kindly for taking time to read my work, Marie. I appreciate it very much. :-)

    LikeReply 11 year ago
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  lanhamleslie

  Absolutely brilliant. Brought me to tears.

  LikeReply 11 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Thank you very much, Leslie. Coming from someone who writes as brilliantly as you, that means a lot.

    LikeReply1 year ago
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  lovingempath

  I've tried to capture the essence of a soldier's soul; poetically, many times in the past...and I think the author of this poem was able to do that successfully.

  LikeReply 11 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Thank you my amazing friend. That these words came from you mean more than you will ever know. As you know, poetry always leaves pieces of us both assembled and disheveled upon the slate. While this one may not apply to me personally, it affects all of us who live in freedom and for freedom. I honor those who rage the battles for us. more »

    LikeReply 11 year ago
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    lovingempath

    Congratulations! Well deserved win buddy! Your poem inspired me to raise my bar a little higher for this month; so watch out! And if I had known the author was you, I wouldn't have chosen it as the recipient of my one and only golden vote...because I think you already owe me a truckload of Ritz crackers...and don't want to burden you further :). more »

    LikeReply 11 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Oddly enough, your poem came down to my final three. It was simply a matter of subject matter that made me choose otherwise. One of the ones that won I thought for sure was yours, but nope, t'weren't so. I found yours funny as hell, but wondered if it was fictional or no? more »

    LikeReply 11 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Next month's poem is much better than this old heap, so you had best up that game, darlin. Imagine if we'd ever gotten hitched. We'd be knockin either heads or knees...or BOTH. ;-P

    LikeReply1 year ago
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    lovingempath

    The day after Christmas...while most people are watching the last of the 'Hallmark' movies...I was watching old horror movies (nice break from the sappiness :). I was inspired into a psychotic poetic trance that involved a twisted version of events that could have occurred at the house in 'The Amittyville Horror'. I might try to redo it in the future, because, just for a moment...I thought I was having a flash of brilliance :) more »

    LikeReply1 year ago
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    Symmetry58

    Not even kidding you when I tell you your poem is freaking brilliant. As you've said to me, careful revamping. You could just revamp the coolness and rawness right out of it. I think it's perfect the way it is. Just because it doesn't win in this particular contest doesn't amount to a hill of beans. My best work has yet to get a vote in these god-forsaken contests. And then there are the "la-di-da" poems netting me actual cash. Meh! What's to be said for having to exert a bit of thought into the deciphering of madness others project. And so there sit me best offerings decaying away into obscurity.
    
    So, you're a fan of horror? It is my all-time favorite by a long shot. Have you seen all the Conjurings??? Have ya? Have ya? They make me all warm and fuzzy inside. more »

    LikeReply1 year ago