Songs From The Battlefield: A Poem On War

Picture credits: Yoypo.com

War. A state of affairs that ravages families, destroys countries and kills the human spirit. In a fight between the rich and powerful, innocent soldiers from both camps lose their lives. This poem is about an American soldier serving, probably, during the Gulf War, in a faraway country on the other side of the world. This is a letter he writes to his wife, while he is away.

Songs from the Battlefield

Hey darling, how are you?
I know it's been so long,
But I figured you'd be lonely
So I thought I'd write you a song.

But first, tell me, my dear,
How are things, now, at home?
Are my little girls missing me?
Send my love if they feel alone.

Have the roses in the backyard,
Sprouted new buds?
You know, there are no flowers, here
The land is red with blood.

I am sorry sweet, I wouldn't
Tell you about the war.
All you should know is, I am well,
Here on the other side of the world.

And even though I hear gunshots,
Just a few blocks away,
I am safe and unharmed.
So, I thank God, every day.

Oh, well, there I go again,
Rambling about myself.
Tell me, love, can you pay the bills,
Now that you don't have my help?

Did Mama take a day off
From work and come over?
You know, we're all she's got,
Ever since Dad left her.

And did you get a new coat,
With the money I sent in June?
If you need some more, don't worry,
I'll try to send it pretty soon.

The food is not that bad, here,
I am lucky to eat twice a day.
And God has been so kind to me,
By giving me a place to stay.

You know, dear, I can cook now,
And wash clothes on my own.
I remember you helping me,
With these little things, back home.

Although, I'm fine, but,
I miss you all, I feel pained,
I just hope that someday,
This terrible war would end.

If I imagine the missiles,
To be shooting stars from above,
I'd close my eyes and tell them,
'Take me back to the ones I love.'

Then I'd come back home, again,
And never leave your side,
I'd start my life afresh with you,
In a world I had left behind.

But darling, if on a sleepless night ,
The phone has news to share,
Remember, just because you can't see me,
Doesn't mean that I'm not there.

So, goodbye, my love, my dearest one,
For now we have to part,
But always remember, wherever you are,
I'll be right there, in your heart.