The Soldiers Tale
written in 2024, June approx.
I've been here for a while, just so you know,
'neath the ashen sky, where the wild winds blow,
Once I was a soldier, full of life and cheer,
Now I’m part of the scenery, no need to shed a tear.
A bullet found me, in the midst of the fray,
And here I’ve been resting, ever since that day,
Years have come and gone, seasons passed me by,
Fermenting in the open, 'neath the endless sky.
No need for sadness, no need for gloom,
I’ve found my peace in this natural tomb,
Life was just a journey, with an unexpected end,
Now I lie here laughing, as the earthen's old friend.
Once I stood tall, with a rifle in hand,
Now I’m quite settled, part of the land,
The worms and roots, they keep me company,
We share tales of the past, under this old tree.
Member that day, when the bombs fell like rain?
When the ground shook and trembled, filled with pain?
In the chaos, I fell, but it wasn't so bad,
I've had years to ponder, and now I'm rather glad.
No more marches, no more drills at dawn,
No more battles to fight, no comrades gone,
I lie here in silence, no orders to obey,
In the embrace of nature, I while away the day.
Birds sing above me, a sweet morning call,
Leaves whisper secrets, as they gently fall,
The sun warms my bones, the rain cools my brow,
I've got the best seat, no need for fuss now.
So don’t be so solemn, don’t look so sad,
I’m in on the joke, and it’s not half bad,
Death’s just a change, a new kind of living,
From the chaos of war to nature’s forgiving.
The trenches were rough, the mud was deep,
But now I'm at peace, in this eternal sleep,
No more orders, no more battle cries,
Just the serene beauty of endless skies.
If you pass by, give a nod, don’t be shy,
I’m just another soldier, 'neath the earthen's sky,
Life was a moment, fleeting and brief,
Now I’m here forever, beyond all grief.
There was a time when fear gripped my soul,
When the sounds of war took their toll,
But now I rest in tranquil repose,
Among the wildflowers, where the soft wind blows.
The comrades I left, their faces still clear,
The jokes we shared, the unspoken fear,
They carry on, in the world above,
While I remain here, in nature's love.
The nights were long, filled with dread,
Wondering; when I'd join the dead,
But now those worries seem so small,
As I lie 'neath this earthly pall.
I’ve seen the seasons change their hues,
From summer greens to winter’s blues,
In autumn’s gold and spring’s delight,
I find solace in eternal night.
And if someday you join me, as all humans must,
We’ll have a grand reunion, our spirits in trust,
For death’s not the end, just a bend in the road,
A chance to unload, the burdens we’ve towed.
Till then, I’ll be here, 'neath earth and sky,
A relic of war, where the wild winds sigh,
In the grand scheme of things, it’s all quite absurd,
But I wouldn’t trade it, not a single word.
Life above, it goes on still,
The world moves on, as is its will,
But here I stay, a silent sentry,
In the fields of memory, my final entry.
So laugh with me, at this mortal jest,
For in this peaceful slumber, I truly rest,
A soldier's tale, both somber and bright,
Resting in the open, till the end of night.
Should you find this spot, where I lay,
Pause a moment, if you may,
Remember the tales of those long gone,
And know in death, life carries on.
For death, my friend, is nothing to fear,
It's just another adventure, waiting near,
I've found my peace, my eternal cheer,
In the wild open, year after year.
And as the stars twinkle in the vast expanse,
Know that I've taken my final stance,
With a smile on my bones and a jest in my heart,
I embraced the end, a brand new start.
done in 2024; when I started to write again. Properly dedicated to the craft. I thank my dearest friend and muse who serves his sentence.
-Alpenaffe,
until next time.