My Chest[LEWC]

I open the chest slowly as it has been some time, I know what I’ll see when I look inside.

Memories of a life once lived, one where our job was to fight to live.

The medals all shiny and neat in their rows, the ribbons and photos, that I keep enclosed.

The Ka-bar engraved, with the battle we fought, and the coins of our Corps, are part of the lot.

As the memories flood back, confliction sets in, why were we there, we shouldn’t have been.

I look through the photos, of a war ridden world, and think of the wounded or dead.

The people left behind, to clean up our mess; it was a dirty war I must confess.

The war has ended, the troops are all gone, where is the country, something is wrong.

Civil war has arisen, and violence is high, the country is no better, and no one cares why.

Chaos will consume, and then our war will resume, and spread our ignorance with every attack.

The madness must end, this country needs it’s troops home, no more wars, let’s leave it alone.

For many men have trunks like mine, reminders of hell and of a horrific time.

I close my trunk and tuck it away, for I know in the future there will come a day.

When I’m asked what’s inside, and what it all means, that will be the time, I spill all the beans.

For now it stays shut, under lock and key, to painful right now, even for me.

Really good OP. I got goosebumps.

Your story was stirring, echoed in the soul

The cost of our wars, the lives untold

All to bear witness, this day in age

Our courage, our fear and even our rage

Memories I cant share, from a land afar

One thing I can give you, a flag and a star

reply to post by usmc0311

Great poem. Here's mine in reply. And it's true.

I’ve burned my box, since it’s from a life that is gone. The medals and plaques and memories are all just a fading song. I know I did my best and hope I did no wrong.

Well, I’ve kept a few things that I deem useful, that is true. (You never know when that Gerber will come in handy out of the blue.)

The one thing that I do cherish though is my retirement gift…a beer stein.
Custom made, so I know others thought well of me and as I raise it to my lips; a smile crosses my face, by me…that’s just fine.

The people I’ve met during my time served, (and I know it’s not manly.)

They’re more than friends…hell, they’re family.

Originally posted by Domo1
Really good OP. I got goosebumps.

Thanks. It was kind of a spur of the moment driven by emotions kind of thing.

Originally posted by coven83
Your story was stirring, echoed in the soul

The cost of our wars, the lives untold

All to bear witness, this day in age

Our courage, our fear and even our rage

Memories I cant share, from a land afar

One thing I can give you, a flag and a star

Very nice. Best reply I have seen in some time. It gives me an Idea. Thanks.

Originally posted by TDawgRex
reply to post by usmc0311

 

Great poem. Here's mine in reply. And it's true.

I’ve burned my box, since it’s from a life that is gone. The medals and plaques and memories are all just a fading song. I know I did my best and hope I did no wrong.

Well, I’ve kept a few things that I deem useful, that is true. (You never know when that Gerber will come in handy out of the blue.)

The one thing that I do cherish though is my retirement gift…a beer stein.
Custom made, so I know others thought well of me and as I raise it to my lips; a smile crosses my face, by me…that’s just fine.

The people I’ve met during my time served, (and I know it’s not manly.)

They’re more than friends…hell, they’re family.

Your absolutely right. It's out brothers (and sisters for those pogs') that matter the most. The only photo I keep out is my vehicle crew. Five nationalities with six guys, you can be more diverse but we are all brothers.