Our Boy (poem) by Ruan Mills on AuthorsDen

Our Boy
by Ruan Mills → (All Poetry by Ruan Mills)
Rated "G" by the Author.

Save

In memory of those lost in the tragedies of WW1 1914-1918.

1914. World War One. A time of dark and dire events When those in power disagreed and staged a bloody war immense Our boy stood up to do his bit, buoyed by thoughts of victory And where’s our bonny soldier now? They swapped his life for purgatory His body cold in foreign fields, his memory engraved in stone. But what of all the life he missed? How come they didn’t send him home? Three times he played a shield for them. They blatantly ignored his plight. Injured, shell-shocked and afraid, they forced him back into the fight Torso wracked with filthy sores, trapped in squalid no man’s land Stinking, ailing, short of food, expected to endure a stand His spirit weak and traumatized, he had to go for fear the price He’d pay, should he cling on to life, of being shot for cowardice ‘Twas only once that life was spent, they set him free from battle-field A battered, broken human shell, his spirit lost, his blood congealed He’ll never see his home again or know the joy that life could bring He’ll never feel the warmth of love. They bled him dry of everything. A tin-pot medal handed then to say that this boy gave his life But there’s no hand to pass it to. He never even had a wife So justify it, if you can, the cost of all those cherished boys Set up as human targets while they waged their war and flaunted toys They said that it would be the war to end all wars and guard our homes They said, they’d come home heroes but the heroes left were fit for homes And still the wars are raging on and still they take our treasured kin In spite of all the pain and grief, they still have not learned anything. The only power within my grasp is the power of my pen to set New memories of those tortured souls upon the world Lest we forget. John Mackey (pictured)– died 5^th October 1916. WW1 Battle of the Somme, France. This is his story, taken from his war records. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrQnnZJ68Xo The Green fields of France

Reviewed by David Clure

Reviewed on February 26, 2015

I like this poem because it is honest, and strips away all the BS and politically korrect glory-glamour that politicians try to make war seem!
I feel sorrow for those who have given all they had, to support the few in power who create wars and then close them - all for their personal profit - while pretending to protect. The soldiers, usually young and innocent, and trusting, are treated like urinals. This is a VERY effective poem. I served in the military. My nephew was one of "Our boys". Thank God for free speech. Outstanding write Ruan!

Reviewed by Budd Nelson

Reviewed on March 31, 2012

Ruan,
John Mackey is very proud of the honor you have done him here,of that I am sure. I have been one of those "buoyed" in the 60's for over 2 years and again just 2 years ago, but this time serving as a civilian...there has been no real change in the passing 40+ years. John would thank you for your caring so well.
Budd

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on March 30, 2012

And still the wars are raging on and still they take our treasured kin

In spite of all the pain and grief, they still have not learned anything

How so sadly true, since mankind first walked this planet, and I doubt it will ever end.

Reviewed by Mary Ann Biddinger

Reviewed on March 29, 2012

A few soldiers left of this WWI. Embracing their memories
each one for their enduring agression at its worst.
Lady Mary Ann

Reviewed by Jerry Bolton

War is ugly. War is just about the most traumatic experience a human can endure. Those who are in charge of sending the troops and individuals into the burning pit of hell called war can be merciless. Would they have sent their own son where this soldier had to go? No, I can answer that question, they would not. Human are greedy and some rulers are vainglorious. And greedy. And inhuman. They must be stopped. From all I know about WWI, it was bloody hell from start to finish.