Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

I Do Not Salute

Submitted by Eumolpus on Tue, 2019-01-22 16:10

I do not salute the acres of soldier’s graves.
Death was the price paid for something,
But usually nothing at all.
Instead I knell, and lower my head,
I know this could be as much my fate,
Or my sons, as the millions before them.

If called to join the swamp of blood
When the flag was being defiled,
As the cannons sprayed their metals
And archers let loose the swarms of arrows,
With my ranks I would hold my place
Like an animal trapped in a slaughterhouse,
Drowning in fear as those around me fall,
And in an instant know that I too am lost,
Lying in my blood, numb and in shock,
Starring at the open sky.

I do not salute the acres of soldier’s graves-
From what causes they went willingly or not
Is for history to ever name them just.
These who sacrificed far from the native soil,
Whether the victors or the vanquished warriors,
It is they who salute the graves of their enemy
Whose eyes they crossed in battle.

Last few words: 
This anti-war poem is a few years old, and was prompted to post after reading "Measuring Up" by Scribbler poem. We who never served and the fallen warriors... I pass Arlington Cemetery often as a DC resident, it never fails to bring out emotions. I hope this poem continues the dialogue from "Measuring Up".
Editing stage: 
Editing - rough draft

Comments

scribbler

Tue, 2019-01-22 17:44

Volunteer badge

I'm gonna study this some more and hopefully come up with some useful suggestions but for now I'm happy that something I wrote touched anybody enough that they were lead to post a poem on the same subject.....that's kinda what poetry is about I think...stan

Seren

Tue, 2019-01-22 21:45

Seren's picture

The greatest compliment a poet can get ? Is that something they wrote touched another writer and inspired them to write a poem etc. I actually think I remember that poem of Stans. I will take another look later and then come back to your poem.

Kind regards Jayne.

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

weirdelf

Sun, 2019-01-27 18:32

weirdelf's picture
Volunteer badge

yes, I can be a puffed up jerk and an arsehole.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Seren

Thu, 2019-01-24 12:42

Seren's picture

Dont start here or I'll not bother coming back but then maybe thats your intent ?. You are a total ass watch your mouth not what I do. I've had it with you. Actually have been to Stans poem and had planned to reply now but you've just pissed me off.

No regard whatsoever. You puffed up jerk.

P.s. Gee will vouch that I've just had two horrific days. And now this. If I'm not wanted here just say so. Had planned to post my workshop poem but I think I'm not so welcome. Since I need a minder to watch what I say and do.

I'm very Sorry Eumolpus but this stems from Jess's behaviour away from Neopoet. This place used to be like a second home for me. I am sorry for writing this on your poem.

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

lovedly

Wed, 2019-01-23 00:29

lovedly's picture

are like sheep
waiting in Q
for their slaughter ..

This is a beautiful Salute you have given --to those who knew but never feared the ultimate..... I kneel before you EUMOL----- on behalf of those who may not(be able to do so)

scribbler

Thu, 2019-01-24 18:43

Volunteer badge

I do not salute the acres of soldier’s graves.
Death was the price they paid for.... something,
But too often nothing at all.
Instead I kneel, and lower my head,
I know this could easily have been my fate,
Or my sons, or the millions before them.

If called to wade the swamp of blood
While the flag was being defiled,
And the cannons sprayed their charges
or archers let loose the swarms of arrows,
Within my ranks I would hold my place
Like an animal trapped in a slaughterhouse,
Drowning in fear as those around me fall,
And in an instant know that I ,too, am lost,
Lying in my blood, numb and with shock,
Starring at the cordite riddled sky.

I do not salute the acres of soldier’s graves-
From what causes they went willingly or not......this could be better said but I'm not sure how
Is for history to name them just or not.
These who sacrificed far from their native soil,
Whether victors or vanquished warriors,
It is they who salute the graves of their enemy
Whose eyes they crossed in battle.

just some ideas for you to mull over

Eumolpus

Sun, 2019-01-27 18:56

Eumolpus's picture

I will be considering your changes

Paraphrasing from Thackeray's Barry Lyndon, about a small battle in a war in the 18th century, "the world will little remember this little skirmish, but to those there it was a day they would never forget."

So what does my salute mean? Is it just another variation of "hopes and prayers " which means nothing.

But the warriors fought, the warriors fell, and the reason for the dying gets lost in time. Young people can't even to begin to believe that 75 years ago we were at war with Japan and Germany, today our closest allies.

Only bravery is worth the salute, and only the soldiers have the moral right to do so. Does this come across?

Eumolpus
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance
ee cummings

author comment
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.