Graveyard Train

Coffins move on rails of steel
across a moonlit plain
those within indifferent
to passion, pride, or pain

they met their fate in distant lands
where terrorists now toil
but were they fighting for a cause
or merely foreign oil?

the principals they died to serve
were ones they had not seen
for politics change faster than
the price of gasoline

uncommon valor is a phrase
most soldiers never hear
but still they have it in their hearts
when danger ventures near

love of country, freedom, flag,
means little when you’re dead
body parts strewn here and there
turning sand bright red

tomorrow there’ll be other wars
and others who will fall
like those who ride upon this train
brave heroes, one and all

C. Lon R. Bruso

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Just an old warrior's take on the aftereffects of this generation's conflicts!

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: New England, originally, now, Macon, N.C., USA

Favorite Poets: Poe, Frost, Bob Dylan

Comments

Ian.T

11 years 1 month ago

Lonnie

Tears are shed and reason is muddled by political bravado, I wonder if those soldiers, sailors or airmen will ever rest.
my tears for lost friends in war zones did nothing and the politicians still wear their perfect cloths, eat food I could not afford and have party after party and trips to other countries we just dream of, they can never lay straight in their beds yet we let them carry on for the reasons they have brain washed us for..
Just look at Syria in it's Isolation millions of refugees and hundreds of thousands killed for one man the world is completely mad, I am so glad that I am my age young Lonnie,
I wont have to see many more young men and women killed for no real reason, hope the petrol and oil run out, before my great grand children have to cry the tears I have cried.
Great write young one keep writing,
Yours as always, Ian

Lonnie

11 years 1 month ago

Thanks Ian

You always seem to be one of the first, if not THE first, to comment on my work, and it is greatly appreciated!

Roscoe Lane

11 years 1 month ago

Excellent,

Excellent and very poignant poem, there must be a way to stop the madness and greed of humans. Regards Roscoe...

Lonnie

11 years 1 month ago

Thanks Roscoe

I kinda thought this was an appropriate topic and so I had to expound a bit! Glad you enjoyed it!

Seren

11 years 1 month ago

Lonnie

I was moved by your words I cant imagine what its like for a soldier I have a few in my family but thankfully they haven't seen much action, or haven't told us they have so we don't freak out. One of my closest friends went to Iraq and he was a aslav driver not sure of the spelling of that, he saw a little action thankfully he came home in one piece after two tours

Brilliant poem the rhythm was nearly faultless

Bravo

much love to you both Jayne xxx

Lonnie

11 years 1 month ago

Thank you Jayne

I remember much about how things were in Vietnam, and have heard much about how things are over in Iraq and Afghanistan. I thought it was time an old warrior shared some words on the subject! Seems politics never change, only the players of the games!