The battles rage
Within our souls
Some we will win
Many we will lose

Battles fought
Over good and evil
Over love and hate
Broken hearts and hurtful words

Battle lines are drawn
Crossed and broken
Loves lost or taken
Someone's feelings forsaken

Warring and fighting
The sting of hurt
More powerful and painful
Then the sting of a bullet

Hoping for peace
Longing for tranquility
The coming of the calm
The battles fought and won

Lead forward to the day
When all hearts are mended
Finally the peace is ours
The love is won
Star_Fire©

Images when I close my eyes
illusions
nightmares
haunt
my life
territories
where I used to be
ranges of memories
can't be erased
 sounds of silence
though loud and clear
danger lurking
formulate fear
close my eyes
return to sleep
back into my recollections
these visions keep
MiNN1©

Standing in formation with all his gear
He stands full attention and shows no fear
His eyes are alert ready for commands
That has been issued war of his homelands
In his eyes you can see red white and blue
The sunlight of his soul brilliant so true
But waiting in the shadows monsters sneer
Pouncing to capture leaving him with fear
His once shining eyes now clouded with pain
Whatever was it for What did he gain
No one wishes to look upon this man
Eclipse soldier was not ever his plan
Wish darkness could pass relief for today
Restoring sunlight taking pain away.
gigi041©

Soldiers Refrain
I have come from many countries
I have lived in many lands
I have weathered many storms
I have garnered lots of plans
I have lived a life of sorrow
Though proud I am to speak
I hear the cries as they idolize
The victims unfortunate and weak
And we are but brutal sorts
Who do not fit in your schema
But remember well our causality reports
When you malign our dream

The Private
I have but my honor to protect me in the night
To remind me when the deadly voices come
 That what I have done is necessary and right
And so I can stride proud under the noon sun

The Sergeant
The men are ready - as they will ever be
They will do their duty- cause they fear me
I will make the officer strong-  a leader true
And if he isn't - well then I will make do

The Bad Officer
God how dreary is today- let them die far from me
I don't need to know or care to see their deaths
I can't hear their mother plea over the clink of martini's
Or watch the graves filled as they are laid to rest

The Good Officer
I must decide who lives who dies
But I am not a god not me
How can I this heavy weight it lies
I am but an officer in the infantry

The Soldiers Wives
Ah the waiting - the pain of heart
Never knowing whether the ring
Portends the end of love's part
And the erasure of our loves fling

The Soldiers Kin
My boy I am proud you have killed the foe
You come back to me filled with woe
Be not sad you will find your life
And soon you will have a fine young wife

The Businessman
WE are but trying to make a buck
Supporting your families is not luck
But hard work perseverance and tack
All of these things those soldiers lack

The War Profiteer
War is natural - all animals do it
They fight and why should I eschew profit
They are nothing to me- let them die and lie
And I don't care if their daughters cry

The Politician
We have a problem in the polls
So we must abandon the poor souls
And let them kill each other you see
Cause we won't send in the infantry

The Reporter
What is truth- it is what is left on the cutting floor
While we figure out how to make our ratings soar
The public demands blood and gore
So we shall supply it ever more

The Horrified Spectator
Why oh why do they kill and maim
It's not like it matters in the end
They die and are dust's to claim
And none this violence can defend

The Victim
I see them coming- all of you flee
They descend like locusts on my family
They pillage my life -my land- my king
They leave us bare of food, hope, or anything

Soldiers Refrain 2
Protecting all that's weak
I am the soldier- beware when I speak
For I tell of anguish - pain and sorrow too
I tell of the life that is lost- the comrades true
And I tell of the glories- the agonies and renew
Once more times where we did stride as gods of war
Deciding who would live or die during a deadly tour
PoetsDreams©

Hellish phantoms march to the front
hear their boots drum the silence
Among the tanks relentless hum
soulless warriors sated on violence

Kill the enemy, kill them all
plunge in thy sickle true
Don't see the fear, the child's tear
it's either them... or you
Matrix303©

On distant land across the sea
our soldiers scream and cry
"Why in the world am I here
watching my buddies die"

Weapons of mass destruction
will blow the place to hell
expected then to help rebuild them
I know this all too well

While out on patrol in a jeep
he was blown right out of the seat
this ain't like playing g.i. Joe
my buddy's really dead, you know

Bombs explode... missiles attack
people... they are destroyed
this you see is very real
and not some plastic toy

I have the enemy in my sight
for this situation I was trained
it just doesn't feel quite right
I hear within my brain

War isn't a game of chess
many lives lost... America's Best
these soldiers will miss tomorrow's dawn
they are in place as political pawns
MWM©

The bombs and gunfire are all he can hear
He says to himself don't show your fear
Is this the day my life comes to an end
Dear Lord your ear to me please lend

'Tis not my choice that I have slain
To others this deed must be blamed
My life has changed in ways unknown
Is it possible I am in this terror all alone

No is the answer as he catches a glance
Seeing his comrades taking the same chance
Not knowing if they will see another day
Will here be the final place they will lay

Give us the strength for us to endure
Oh please let us leave this foreign shore
Guide us through the days that remain
To when we can shed memories of pain
Dilligaf_7©

You who are so young....
You who I could not save...
You who I loved...

I battled for your freedom...
I fought for you to be free...
I died for you.....

With my last breath...
I knew what I had fought for was right for me...
right for you..
I died to let you live...

As many before me...
and many after...

We warriors know....
We belong on battle fields....
We fight for the loyalty....
We fight for you...

It's up to you to make this death right....
It's up to you to carry on...
You who are so young....
Life Warrior©

I am but a weary traveler
on a long and winding road,
in darkness, awaiting sunrise,
a master plan yet to unfold.
Growing dim, is the light in my eyes,
so slow is the beat of my heart.
Memories of battles fought long ago,
retreating, wounded, to my corner in the dark.
Stone by stone I reconstruct this wall,
that will one day reach the sky,
and in my realm of loneliness,
I am hidden from from the cold heart's lie.
So leave me in my solitude,
for it is all I have come to know,
do not plant your seeds of love with me,
for there is no soil for them to grow.
blushin©

I followed the drums since the break of dawn
They have lead me here
To the battlefield of our hate
Brother against brother
A war self-made
Memories of the past racing through my mind
With peaceful meadows yet to find
I can see him
I can feel him
Smell him
Hear his beckoning voice
I have to let him in
I have no other choice
Reaper he is called and he has come for me
Wait, give me just a little more time
I'll follow you I whisper and sigh
I need to say my piece before I die.
.
Listen my friends to what I have to say
Ignorance and hate are the evil of this world
We destroy ourselves we need no help
All of us have to learn acceptance and love
It does not matter the color of your skin
Or the God's you believe in.
You as a fellow human are important to me
Not where you come from
Or what will you be.
Teach your children to create a better tomorrow
Without hate war and sorrow
Now friend Reaper I am ready to go
I said my plead
Come, take me rescue my soul
So that I'm reborn in a different world
 With tolerance and love for all mankind
Free from destruction hunger and pain
And I may not have died in vain.

A: Absolutely nothing
   Lizza©

 As darkness engulfed the once blue sky.
 Sarah gasped aloud as she asked Dad why.
 The cascade of curls caressed bare shoulders.
 As the two of them crouched behind the boulders.

 Sarah, my child it is predicted you know.
 Prophecies were told a long time ago.
 Of how there would be famine and so many wars.
 I doubt that many even will be keeping scores.

 Although the heaven is blackened right now.
 Open you eyes wide as the light shines somehow.
 Yes, I know, the troops are pushing bravely along.
 As this happens, our hearts still will sing a song.

 In life you will see destruction cover our path.
 But never allow the bestowal of more wrath.
 Sometimes we have to let the rainy days ride.
 In search of only a new and safe place to hide.

 Alone sometimes, and yes it will seem as the moon goes by.
 That no one listens or will ever hear, the wishes of our cry.
 So rest my child in these arms  before the fire is dim.
 For the emptiness inside hungers as many dreams grow slim.

 Only will our faith and hope or our fathers love and care.
 Direct us to the place where no more crosses will we bare.
 Beyond the fire and bombs crashing and exploding around.
 Brotherly arms of laughter and joy will be always found.

 For you my dear this father will grow bountifully proud.
 When in time to come we will hear the angels aloud.
 The pitch of these horror filled nights no more will we see.
 Only heavenly glows of sunlight and diamonds for all to see.
Princess_LoveStar©

The battle rages
so very far away.
It didn't affect me
... until today.

He leaves at dawn
to fight their war.
He'll return to me
... of this I'm sure.

The battle rages
day after day.
Send him home safe
... this I pray.

Sleepless nights
months of tears.
At last he is home
... easing my fears.

The battle rages
night after night.
He awakens sweat soaked
... still caught in the fight.

His eyes, distant
his heart, harder now.
I'll bring him home yet
... this I vow.

The battle rages still
within his soul.
I lost my love to war
... after all.
Kindred Spirit©

When the soldiers go to war,
Wherever in the world they are:
Their loved ones who are left behind
Have fear and worry on their mind.

Will this be the time they lose their son
To a crazed guerrilla's gun?
Or will they be back in the interim,
Because a mine blew off a limb?

At eighteen is it fair do you think,
Old enough to die but not to drink?
The foes they fight are often younger:
Conscripted victims of dictators' hunger.

And why do we have wars at all?
Because some statesmen want it all.
And young men are sent out to fight:
Their nation's flag burned in their sight.

And if a nuclear war should come;
Razing to the ground, each house and home,
Where will our statesmen then be found?
In bunkers miles beneath the ground!

   If dictators crave for power so much,
Why use poor soldiers as their crutch.
After all, it's they who want to rule:
Why don't they go and fight a duel?
Peter Jones©

I read the words, they said you were dead.
But I still can't get it through my head.

I see the hell they put you through,
And wonder how they could do that to you.

Before you left you said that you loved me.
I informed you we had a lifetime for all of that to be.

I loved you so, but your duty did call.
and that duty you paid had a price that cost us all.

But now as I vision you passing through the golden gate.
The dark and dreaded jaws of war have sealed our loving fate.
Short Stuff©

It had been a quiet day
Out on the battle ground
When the unsuspecting soldiers
Were startled by a sound.

A deafening rumble of doom
Rustled them to rise.
Orange and red, fiery flames
Lighting up the skies.

The apocalyptic smoke
Clouded up the air.
Screams of fear and agony
Bedlam everywhere.

Caught off guard, but still prepared
They blindly groped their way
And as they fought to save themselves,
They silently did pray.

They came here for a reason
And they'd defend their cause.
The enemy surrounding fast,
Left them no time to pause.

They risked their lives right to the end.
They stared death in the face.
Their never waning attitude
Made this world a better place.
KathyK©

Why do we fight wars???
Is it for our loved ones
or ourselves
Is it for religious freedoms
Is it for lust or greed or
just simple pride.
Does fighting really
right a wrong.
The rage and anger of war
bring out the  defender in us all
and give one the strength to do
what MUST  be done
many  have fought and died
for this land we call home
OUR land America.
Would you fight for her?
Would you get angry enough to
fight to keep your freedom and
the freedom of your family.
Many have done just that
and many would again.
Learn from this
absorb it ,teach it to others
For passion  of freedom
and the giving of oneself to keep it
is what makes us free
in these United States.
Lady Valor©

The days are so hazy
Always searching
Seem to be on guard at all times
Ready to shoot down another's heart
A woman bent to heal
We are all a ghost of the past
Looking for a brighter future
Questions always asked
But not always answered
Life pushes on day to day
With no promises in sight
Always wondering what tomorrow brings
Hanging on to the past, trying to fit it into the future.
Not realizing the past is no more, just a memory
There can only be a future after the past has let go.
Then and only then...
You will find days of happiness...
Angel-In2thnite©

Night time dreams of my lady fair
with eyes of green and auburn hair...
the only comfort afforded me,
now stolen here by all I see.

Days now filled with duty bound
with death and destruction all around;
caught up in war's inferno blaze...
it haunts my nights as it fills my days.

My comrades fallen hurt and dead...
this madness swims within my head;
and I can make no sense of it...
the earth is swallowed by hatred's pit.

Be still the fires burning bright;
restore the calm and peaceful night.
Be gone the hate that fills the days;
bring back the love and let it stay.

Protect the innocence of youth;
guard them now against this truth.
Let them never come to see
a world gone mad - misery.

Raise them with a loving heart;
they'll walk in light with such a start.
Instill the virtues of God's grace
to teach them how to live their days.

Grant me now my last request;
let it be my world's bequest...
that people learn in peace to live;
to never take, but only give.

Upon this earth my time is done;
upon my ears fall silent guns;
my body burning, wracked with pain...
and now my soul is free again.
Linda2001©

El Despoblado
No mortal here
Just warring passions
Fighting Fear

Sticking out
Pretending valor
While all the while
Deny the dower
To the only one
Whose love could shower
Thy Life
With Power

Go on, you fool
Thy fate, pursue
You kill, you think
An Other Soul
But yours,
My friend,
Falls through The Hole
Weaver©

Methods of war old and new
always and forever changing
increased knowledge of how to kill
not heeding God given wisdom

Powerful the politics
that put all things in motion
powerless the mothers
who give wombs gifts to war

Empty are the words lacking
in compassion... when telegrams
are delivered... simply read
"We regret to inform you"

Silent pillar of strength
the father... topples over
tormented by the pain
of the heart sawn asunder

 Buried hopes and dreams
not only for the deceased
but time worn memories sweet
now branded onto the living

No lesson ever learned from war
No blood spilt guarantees
A rich mans war fought by the poor
March on toward "total annihilation"
Reina©

Help me please I cannot see
Beyond the screen of smoke
So thick it robs me of my air
And causes me to choke
What danger lurks within the haze
Waiting there for me
Caught unaware and unprepared
By what I cannot see
Can someone please dispel this mist
So that I may see and breathe
The pain so fresh must dull a bit
Before my mind can grieve
Shadow Whysper©

As the smoke rose from the hollow ground,
 stinging my eyes, and blurring my vision,
  I look around at the destruction...
   at the carnage...
Then, I start to call...
 as a sudden fear sweeps into my heart...
   I call, and call...
    where in the world is he?!
As the adrenaline courses through my veins...
 unleashing a torrent of emotions...
  I listen...
   and stay still...
A SOUND!!
Could it be?...
 could he be there?.... buried under the ruble?
Quickly I dig...
 through twisted metal and tears
  I rip into this once fertile earth
   digging for my friend... my buddy
Tearing away the last bit of smoldering debris,
  I see his pain racked face...
   I see the blood flowing down his cheek...
HE IS ALIVE!!
I silently thank God,
 as I pull the last remaining pieces of destruction from around him.
Oh, thank God, I pray...
 and as I lift him gently from his place,
  and place him on the ground to tend to his wounds...
I look down, and notice...
 OH GOD!!!
  WHERE ARE MY LEGS?!!
crple©

In a war fought zone
Only heroes arise
Never ever seen
Always in disguise
Beneath their camouflage
Hiding in trees
Risking their lives
So all can live and breathe
I am one of many
Who serve this country great
Feeling all the loneliness
And fighting all the greats
We have fought Hitler
We have fought the czars
We have fought oppression
And Germans in the wars
We have fought in Korea
We fought the Japanese
We have fought Saddam
And the Vietnamese
All in the name of freedom
That most take for granted
We fight for all freedom
And hope communism is disbanded
We do what we are told
Whether we feel it is right or not
We take these heroes to war
In hard battles they have fought
You never know what is coming
Or what war might be next
But be rest assured
Our military is the best
We have proven many times
That our strength is the best
We fight all comers
And don't need to rest
We save all we can
And help all in need
We not only fight wars
But weather must take heed
We help in hurricanes
And fight many a flood
We battle tornadoes
Fighting is in our blood
So next time you see a person
In uniform walking by
Don't forget to thank them
Or forget those that have died
They take their selfless service
And volunteer to the extreme
They have given their own lives
So everyone can be free
Dreamweaverstv69©

I used to sit glued
to the suffering
whirling round and round
not a clue of understanding
within my soul
I was detached from
the pain
horrified fascination
at others
suffering
Brady bunch mentality
now it's real
now I feel
now I avert my guilty eyes
the pain of innocents
caught between
mans stupidity
only reinforcing my
helplessness
and shame
for their pain
Kristin©

Celebrate our Independence Day
Flags fly high, we proudly display
Watching fireworks burst in the sky
Sitting and wondering the reason why

Our history shows us deepest regrets
Of all the wars we tend to forget
Civil, world wars, and Viet Nam
Through the dropping of an Atomic bomb

How many times have we sat back and sighed
Wondering just why the innocents have died
Hearing the voice of total despair
Seeing destruction that cannot compare

Faces of anguish and loneliness
We still chose to fight nonetheless
Leaving lives scattered and torn
Babies faces withered and worn

Desolation and despair and so much bitterness
Energies wasted in the wretchedness
The thoughts so disturbing we have no control
That a war can come and take over our soul

In Kosovo the children without a dime
Are offered ice cream during the peacetime
Is it enough to help them sleep
Will it dry their tears whenever they weep?

Dreams rebuilt out of the sorrow
A look in the eyes for better tomorrow
Peace and forgiveness don't seem like a lot
Until your fighting in a war that hatred brought
Miss Debbie©

Men and machines going off to
do combat in a foreign land.
Tank cannons blasts rip through
the air as shells burst.
Guns on rapid fire do scream.
Bullets whistle through the air,
passing close overhead.
Men and tanks let lose
their messengers of death.
Bullets impact with flesh
and bodies dance to deaths sad song.
Machine guns on tanks let fly their deadly messengers.
Tank cannons sound their deadly song
while shells burst on walls below.
Your son and mine in combat clutches
fire guns at all that move.
Soldiers fighting for a good cause.
Towns in ruin from tanks deadly fire.
Buildings burn and crumble to the ground.
Tanks lumber over the mounds of ruin.
Bodies lay helter skelter on the ground
Bodies missing limbs for bullets
impact and cannon shells.
Death sings his gruesome song
for all to hear.
dance_w_shadow©

Napalm illuminates the night
The stench sickens me
I judge not wrong or right
God, Honor, Country

Walking through the bowels of hell
Haunted by the ghosts of fallen brothers
Long buried emotions begin to swell
Impossible to explain to others

Awakening from the nightmare soaked in sweat
Cursing the darkness why God why
Must I shoulder this horrible debt
Feeling guilty that I didn't die

Reason says I'm being absurd
To blame myself for their deaths
From this living hell I can never be cured
Forever within hearing their finale breaths

No redemption for my soul
My sins too great to forgive
Their crushing weight has taken it's toll
The most grievous is I did live

I don't expect you to understand
This pain I hold within me
Upon you I make no demand
Except the chance to set it free

Don't want or need you pity
Too much I did tell
On the outside carefree and witty
On the inside I carry MY HELL
Riverrun_7©

Over endless ages past,
A shadow of war is cast,
Ever haunting human fate,
The spawn of evil hate.
Blessed by the Grim Reaper,
Wars' harvest soul keeper,
Time and again he returns,
Yet, mankind never learns.

Left behind destruction's rain,
Broken spirits' foolish gain,
Accompanied by widows' wails,
Certain result when reason fails.

Sown by prejudice and fear,
Ghosts of war always near,
War without doubt Satan's friend,
In time perhaps mankind's end.

In wars' wake a cold wind blows,
A numbing chill pain knows,
Pestilence on dark wing bore,
Peace an illusion forever more.
S.L. Keck©

He reaches out to no one from his cot at night
Wanders the park aimlessly during the light
What was it before he lost all hope
The war has left him unable to cope.

At one time he walked with his head held high
It seemed  long ago he came back to find lies
He tells himself those nameless faces were his foe
Yet they continue to haunt his very soul.

Vanished are his dreams of working the land
Knowing it takes more than half a man
How important is it where he will dwell
When he traded it for his place in hell.
Redd1st©

In the name of God and Glory
Go out and kill your fellowman
In the name of Greed and Freedom
Just do as your countries demand

There is no room for differences
In church or customs or laws
Let others see our righteousness
Let them see we have no flaws

In the eyes of all our children
Let us teach our lies and hate
In the hearts of these same children
Let there be no room for debate

For does not God stand behind us?
Do we not see the "truth" of His Word?
To think there are other perspectives
Is completely wrong and absurd!

For only WE are His children
All others are Satan's spawn
Continue killing in the name of Peace
And tomorrow's 'New World" will dawn
emmarie©

selfish eyes see a dim reflection
consumption reigns with deep infection
empathy dies through cruel rejection
weeds of neglect choke the flower of happiness
clean sheets stand a silent witness
a bitter crop of resentment blooms
nothing stops the coming doom

birds peck at rotted fruit
knowing the sweet roots of freedom
clearly seen the season comes
the glory of the turning leaf
the mystery of forgiveness
speaks softly on tattered lips
life is far from meaningless
blood's compassion drips

dark demons are vile and nimble
must believe and yet tremble
white demons thought locked away tight
lurking close with consequences dire
bright sunrise at midnight
thermonuclear fire
Matt©

letters from young boys
traveling through the flashes
the night sky
ripped
torn
from man made casings
filled with death

cries of mothers
heard across the miles
as they look into the darkened sky
fathers pacing patiently
yet they worry
their only seed
has gone away
in search of his glory

a frightened laughter is heard
from the few
the proud
they don't believe in war
yet they are there
fighting for the freedom of many
that often times
show no care

sounds of bullets popping
through the jungle shroud
death
so loud
though it cannot be heard
only seen
in the blood and mud

empty faces
barren of life
blood soaked rags
upon the field of battle
broken lives
of loved ones left behind
shattered dreams
of young lovers
that are left to rot
in the dead man's eyes.
MjkFingrz©

even in the silence,
hearts boom
breaths  scrape
clothing rustles.
time unwinds
unrelenting
slowing and sharpening
every detail.
every sight, sound, smell
memorized;
captured,
in the amber of the mind.
waiting to play out;
exquisitely real
reliving it all
down to tiniest detail.
even now,
the silence breaks
sheets rustle,
sweat stained
heart races
body tenses,
awaiting the fire again
der_girlo©

"Jim, did you get the mail?"
"Mama? I got a draft notice"
Go to war or go to jail
What kind of option is that?

My boy, sent off to war
My pride and joy
That's my little boy out there
Doesn't anyone care?

Mr. President?
I know you're doing your best
But why was it him you sent?
Can you answer me that?

I'm his mom, you know
Brought him up with my own two hands
I do love him so
And now with that one slip of paper

Tell me, what comfort do you offer
When I can't be there for my boy
And I get another one of your slips of paper
Saying he won't be coming home?

Doesn't anyone care?
I scream so loud, but no one hears
You see, that's my boy out there!
And I need to know he's coming home

There are cookies in the oven
His favorite kind of chocolate chip
He might be a grown man
But he'll always be
My little boy
Epic Myst©

As every blade of grass turned from the sun to gaze at me
The look of disdain on their green faces is all that I can see
Dare I {Mow the grass} fearing that one of them will turn narc
Oh {Mary Jane} my love how I need a jolt of your electric spark
{Mother's little helper} wouldn't let me reach up and touch the sun
So maybe if I {Fly Mexican airlines} I can still get high time fun
I'm not wasted enough I can still hear the sound of the big artillery
Maybe I should mix my pharmaceuticals with the local distillery
Anything to take these thoughts, these sights out of my head
Anything to help me forget the memories and faces of the dead
Heroic valor shown and it is said they went out in a blaze of glory
But seeing them burned to ash from napalm is a different story
Bennie, ludes, acid or LSD, morphine, mushrooms, reefer or weeds
Oh how a good {thoroughbred} could answer all my mental needs
Bear1Mage©

Mow the grass-- to smoke marijuana
Mary Jane, Reefer and Weed--marijuana
Mother's little helper--depressant
Fly Mexican airlines--to smoke marijuana
Bennie--amphetamine
Ludes--depressant
Acid--LSD
Mushrooms--psilocybin/psilocin
Thoroughbred--drug dealer who sells pure narcotics
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/terms/index.html
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