forgotten soldier
not gonna wallow, holdin' my head high
not gonna wallow, holdin' my head high
scowl, roll your eyes, it won't lessen my pride
seen bad things in my time, aint gotta lie
...
why oh why can't you look me in the eye
I fought your shitty wars, I did my time
not gonna wallow, holdin' my head high
...
beggin' at street corners, just to get by
longin' to forget the night my friends died
seen bad things in my time, aint gotta lie
...
no one sees a soldier, or wonders why
I stand here without botherin' to hide
not gonna wallow, holdin' my head high
...
remembered mortar rounds fall from the sky
while your warm and safe, sittin' in your ride
seen bad things in my time, aint gotta lie
...
Where were you when I volunteered to die?
if you’re not with me, better stand aside
not gonna wallow, holdin' my head high
seen bad things in my time, aint gotta lie
About the Creator
John Cox
Twisted teller of mind bending tales. I never met a myth I didn't love or a subject that I couldn't twist out of joint. I have a little something for almost everyone here. Cept AI. Aint got none of that.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Comments (28)
I am not a fan of the villanelle, but this is a really good use of it.
The voice comes through with real strength here, John! You captured the pain, pride, and frustration to well 🥹 A very powerful piece
This made me feel so emotional. I work in the forest in France in the Verdun area, often on the WWI trenches that are still very well visible. From time to time I even stumble upon bunkers, or bombs, helmets etc... and I keep thinking of these people who fought here. But I can't really imagine how it must be to really fight in a war and how bad those bad things might be... No soldier should be forgotten but respected.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I missed this when you first posted it, but one vet to another, I'll stand with you anytime.
The sacrifice of a soldier who lived but did not break. Who felt the fire at his feet but held on fiercely through faith. This is how brave men are born, fire from a loving mother.💖
Back to tell you congrats on your top story AND your leaderboard placement! 🥳🥳🥳
A moving piece that demands readers stop, think and truly see the soldier behind the words.
Congrats, John.
If I read it right, there is a military cadence to this poem. Thank you or whomever for your service. Great work.
John, is that you? Are you trying to flex on us, that you're a master at poetry; that you could bend your style, to suite a wider audience. Maybe this way of wording —to reflect a younger you… A younger audience 🤔
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Brutally honest and painful and rightfully so. "Where were you when I volunteered to die?" hits like a thunderbolt. Your use of repetition emphasized the important ideas so well. Great job. Congratulations on Top Story!
This was a wonderful tribute to our soldiers who are so often undervalued and unappreciated because the wars they were sent to aren't popular. Thank you for sharing and reminding us not to look away.
Reality can't be ignored and you did a wonderful job bringing this back into the light. I donated to the vets twice this year. It didn't amount to much but serves as an appreciation for what they have done in their lives. We need more programs and grants for those who suffer from the repercussions of war. Great entry, John!!!
Excellent as always sir. Some things we’ll never reckon with…
This was such a genuine, heartfelt piece, and it reached deep, emotionally resonating. Congratulations on a much deserved Top Story.
another wonderful story told with pure heart and soul...thank you, John
Back to say congrats on Top Story, my friend
Could you imagine if all the money being sent out of America to other places to fight other wars were used on taking care of veterans that fought for the citizens of this country? I live in a small town and you can see veterans living like this, I shudder to think how bad it has gotten in the cities. 🙏🙏💌
This is so so good.
Well-wrought, John. "Politicians hide themselves away. They only started the war. Why should they go out to fight? They leave that all to the poor." -Black Sabbath, "War Pigs"
Loved this, John! So true and agree with Paul.
The imagery here is haunting. This one will stay with me for a long time.
Ugh, so many of them and so sad. Sitting on corners or alone and depressed. Great job, John.