Poem: “Damned Soldier” | Understanding Sacrifice and Duty

DAMNED SOLDIER

I am the damned soldier
fighting the insolent rule
marching towards death with all my life sparkling on the surface
of my eyes
they glitter with the sunlight
they glitter even in the shadows
like they possess a life on their own
trying to forgive all the people who delivered me here
trying to fight the meek voice in me
that wants to curse them before it quiets down forever.
I try to feed some sense to it
I try to tell it that it’s not worth it,
that don’t damn the others to have the same fate as yours,
it’s a tough road and they won’t be able to walk upon it,
just then I am brought back to reality
by the weight of my armour,
I look at the shield and the sword in my hands
and I am filled with the spirit of a warrior,
I realize that it’s the first time anybody thought me fit for a job,
so they dressed me up well
and delivered me to the doors of death
my shield and my sword are the only consolation to my eyes
I could have done big things with this much metal
I wish my death was a bigger event than the death of some cattle
anyways the story goes on like that
mine was a tragedy
I really hope you have a happy ending.

Blog Post

Writing “Damned Soldier” was an intense and introspective journey for me. It’s a piece that delves deep into the psyche of a soldier facing the ultimate sacrifice. The poem captures the essence of duty, conflict, and the haunting reality of war, making it a powerful reflection on the human condition.

The Soldier’s Struggle

In the opening lines, “I am the damned soldier fighting the insolent rule,” I wanted to set the stage for the soldier’s internal and external battles. This soldier is not just fighting an enemy but also grappling with the weight of his own thoughts and emotions. The phrase “marching towards death with all my life sparkling on the surface of my eyes” is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, as seen through the soldier’s eyes, which glitter with the spirit and resilience of someone facing the end.

Forgiveness and Inner Conflict

The lines “trying to forgive all the people who delivered me here, trying to fight the meek voice in me that wants to curse them before it quiets down forever” reflect the inner turmoil of the soldier. There’s a struggle to find peace and forgiveness, even towards those who might have contributed to his current fate. This internal battle is something many of us can relate to, as we often struggle to let go of grudges and find forgiveness in our hearts.

Reality and Acceptance

As the poem progresses, the weight of the soldier’s reality becomes apparent. The description of the armor and weapons, “I look at the shield and the sword in my hands and I am filled with the spirit of a warrior,” symbolizes a moment of acceptance. This is the soldier’s reality, and despite the grim circumstances, there is a sense of pride and duty in holding the sword and shield.

A Reflection on Life and Death

“I could have done big things with this much metal I wish my death was a bigger event than the death of some cattle” is a stark commentary on the often overlooked sacrifices made by soldiers. The soldier’s reflection on the value of his life and death highlights the tragedy of war, where lives are lost and sometimes not even acknowledged.

The Hope for a Better Future

The closing lines, “anyways the story goes on like that mine was a tragedy I really hope you have a happy ending,” offer a glimpse of hope and a heartfelt wish for the reader. It’s a reminder that while the soldier’s story might be tragic, there is a hope for a better future for others.

Reflections

Writing “Damned Soldier” allowed me to explore themes of sacrifice, duty, and the harsh realities of war. It’s a reflection on the countless soldiers who have faced similar fates and a tribute to their strength and resilience. Through this poem, I hope to shed light on the inner conflicts and emotions that soldiers experience, offering a deeper understanding of their sacrifices.

This poem is not just a narrative of a soldier’s journey but a mirror reflecting the struggles we all face in different forms. It’s about finding meaning in our actions, seeking forgiveness, and ultimately hoping for a better ending, not just for ourselves but for everyone.

Through “Damned Soldier,” I invite readers to reflect on their own lives, the battles they fight, and the sacrifices they make. It’s a call to acknowledge the unseen struggles of others and to find strength in our shared humanity.