The War In My Mind

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Shirley Rebstock.

The war is over The war continues in my mind Seeing in my mind's eye my first kill "He's mine, I saw him first," I told the other soldiers The boom of my rifle echoing in my ears My eyes watching the video in my head He fell head first, legs kicking in the air Then stillness The stench of vomit filling my nostrils Sick to my stomach Whom am I to take another's life Am I a good man or a bad man A question of many a soldier Hell became the norm after many more kills War is hell If only I Maybe if The war continues in my mind

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 10/21/2017 11:49:00 AM

Very illuminating poem, Shirley. The spiritual toll on the soul from killings is incalculable. You broached the subject well w/keen insights and intense self-examination.

Shirley Rebstock
Date: 10/21/2017 11:56:00 AM

Thank you for your thoughtful comment.

Christopher Flaherty

Date: 7/3/2017 5:23:00 PM

Hi Shirley I love this its very personal regarding the feeling and though of killing for war

Shirley Rebstock
Date: 7/7/2017 7:18:00 PM

Thank you, actually, I was trying to express what a close relative told me about his thoughts during war he was in and not just him, but other relatives expressed to me over the years. However, they came home and lived their lives to the best of their abilities so their fallen brothers did not die in vain.

John Hardison

Date: 6/11/2017 12:44:00 AM

Thank so much for your vivid commentary. Never had to face the horrors WAR other personal ones at home. Your description does vividly drive home the personal aspects of WAR. As stated by other too, a living HELL As always wishing all, Peace, Love and Joy

Shirley Rebstock
Date: 6/12/2017 4:11:00 PM

Thank you for reading. Some of the soldiers I have known talk about their experiences and some keep it to themselves. One relative suffers from ptsd. They all deserve our support.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 6/4/2017 9:25:00 PM

I found this poem endearing in its honesty, and as a writer myself, which I could hear all the stories, well done!

Shirley Rebstock
Date: 6/5/2017 4:38:00 PM

Thank you for your comment. Having read several books by soldiers and stories from my relatives who fought in different wars, I saw their courage. One question, I mention in poem, came up in several stories of soldiers who never met each other. Some able to talk about it and others who keep it to themselves. Killing a necessity of war, yet has to be processed by the soldier.