Lit.Org - a community for readers and writers Advanced Search
 




Average Rating
0.00

(0 votes)

You must login to vote

Buried you with your
Father and brother
Where the ivy climbs

Your small stone stands as
Just another
Sad sign of the times

To the bravest of the old battalion
To the bravest of the bold battalion
To the sweetest of the old battalion
They crushed you first.

Buried you under
The weight of their convictions
Their unholy wars

Your small heart stubbed out
As just another
Martyr to their cause

To the bravest of the old battalion
To the bravest of the bold battalion
To the sweetest of the old battalion
They crushed you first.

Buried you beneath
A slew of retribution
Beneath unhappy skies

Your small smile got
Broken in six places
Black eye for black eye

Never knew what you
Gave up to keep on giving
The guts it took for you
Just to keep on living

You were the bravest of the old battalion
That hurts the worst

You were the sweetest of the old battalion
They crushed you first.

To the bravest of the old battalion
To the bravest of the bold battalion
To the sweetest of the old battalion
They crushed you first.


------
The human race, the only race I know where everybody loses.


Related Items

Comments

The following comments are for "bravest"
by AuldMiseryGuts

Yes, who?
Yes, who were the 'old battalion?'. I'm tempted to apply the ideas I interpret in the poem, and in numerous ways, to the current happenings in Iraq. But I have a feeling this has more history to it than a few decades. The Crusades perhaps? I know 'unholy wars' are mentioned, but for me, the Crusades were indeed, unholy at root. Then again, the 'battle' theme may be functioning as an extended metaphor for something completely unrelated to conflict.


Your selection of imagery was/is first class as usual by the way...

Colin

( Posted by: colinbaker62 [Member] On: July 11, 2008 )

Boing!
What works for me in this poem that doesnt always show up when I read your other work is a cadence that leads the reader. I fell this poem more than I understand it - that I understand it seems secondary. I like the 'presentness' of word choice. You put the reader in the moment, opinion and judgement are personalized and earned not cheaply delivered. Putting the reader in the moment is what you do so well- in all your poems. I'm always captivated and feel a bit voyeuristic when I read your work. A delightful diversion.
Thanks

( Posted by: jonpenny [Member] On: July 12, 2008 )

Sabbatical Shannon? Re: Bravest
Shannon,

I appreciate your last email letter and all that you feel, but please, let not anything pull you down, you are above that, for this poem is yet of another example of why your long absence has reached a point of unbearable for me and others. You are missed. Your talent is unique and superb. Please come back and bring pics, I want to see that new hair.

This poem is beautiful and it has a sadness, and strength...the bravest. Of course, I subjected it to my own thoughts on brave hearts and such....please tell me more of this poem and what is behind it. It has such depth and I want to know more of it. Beautiful. Return to us, because YOU CAN. If not to all of us, then to those of us that appreciate you and love your work and Lit.Org is not the same and lacks its completeness without you.

Blessings to you dear friend,

Namaste!

( Posted by: TheRealKarmaTseringLhamo [Admin] On: July 23, 2008 )

under the weight of their convictions
I've been trying hard to think of ways to describe exactly what I like about this poem. I feel like it's very helpful when people are specific about what it is they like and you do it so well, you outline the great points of poems so well. I want to return the favor, but something about this makes me speechless.
it's something about the line "They crushed you first" that makes it.

( Posted by: ruina [Member] On: August 1, 2008 )





Add Your Comment

You Must be a member to post comments and ratings. If you are NOT already a member, signup now it only takes a few seconds!

All Fields are required

Commenting Guidelines:
  • All comments must be about the writing. Non-related comments will be deleted.
  • Flaming, derogatory or messages attacking other members well be deleted.
  • Adult/Sexual comments or messages will be deleted.
  • All subjects MUST be PG. No cursing in subjects.
  • All comments must follow the sites posting guidelines.
The purpose of commenting on Lit.Org is to help writers improve their writing. Please post constructive feedback to help the author improve their work.


Username:
Password:
Subject:
Comment:





Login:
Password: