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L
Lonnie
Jun 09, 2010 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

To Rue The Day

                        To Rue The Day



                Death-smell taints the morning breeze
                corpses piled around my knees
                killing is a foul disease
                and I spread it sadly

                Jungle shadows hide my face
                smiling at the sheer disgrace
                war is really commonplace
                men behaving badly

                Always orders to obey
                games that countries love to play
                so it is I've come to slay
                an image of my brother

                Endless days of steaming heat
                as I march on bleeding feet
                fearing nothing but defeat
                and losing to another

                Weapon steady in my hand
                as I stalk this silent land
                trying hard to understand
                the reasons for the killing

                Yet knowing that it's just a game
                played by those I cannot name
                and so I bow my head in shame
                for I am all too willing


                C.  Lon  R.  Bruso
               
               
               
               
— Lonnie, Jun 09, 2010

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: New England, originally, now, Macon, N.C., USA

Favorite Poets: Poe, Frost, Bob Dylan

More from this author

Critiques

S

scribbler

16 years ago

rue

I write of imagined horror of war.Holds no candle to work from one who has experienced it.wonderful revelation of motivation of warriors.Faultless intricate rhyme scheme.Would nominate twice if possible...........scribbler
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thank you, Scribbler!

It does sometimes seem as if this poetic aftermath of a long-ago conflict will never cease pouring out of me! However, it is somewhat of a healing process so I guess I'll just let it come out!
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thanks, Indi!

Good to hear from you again! Glad you liked this one, and I hope all is going well for you.
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thank you, Mand!

I guess writing about past traumatic experiences is what gets me the most comments! At any rate, I do appreciate your kind words!
R

raj

16 years ago

Very Appropriate Lonnie

the feelings of guilt..anguish..anger..uneasiness..turmoil one goes through while witnessing all the mindless brutal killings wonderfully projected in your write... as can be expected ..this is a very mature write from a seasoned poet like you Lonnie..... warmly...raj (sublime_ocean)...
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thank you, raj!

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this work and leave a nice comment! Glad you enjoyed it!
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thank you, Judy!

It's always a pleasure getting a nice compliment from a lady such as yourself! I thank you for taking the time to read this piece, and I'm glad you think it worthy of your vote!
P

poewriter58

16 years ago

Lon

I had this comment all written out went to submit and explorer tells me page cannot be found SOOOOOO ok there is not much more I can say that hasn't been said in above comments other than I see what war does to a person everyday. In your eyes in your heart and in your dreams and it pains me to the depths that there is nothing I can do to make it go away and give you peace. Love you Chrys
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

I thank you, M'Dear!

However, please rest assured that many of the things I write about didn't happen to me, personally, just many of my friends and other veterans I have met over the years! This is not to say that I did not experience a lot of bad things over there, but just to let you know that I often write from viewpoints other than my own! I'm glad you are with me to soothe what hurts I do have!
Roscoe Lane

Roscoe Lane

16 years ago

I bow to,

your courage and your writing, your poem is deep. I hope your writing about this lends you some comfort. Regards Roscoe...
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thanks, Roscoe!

Feedback on a poem is always greatly appreciated, and I thank you for taking the time to read and to comment!
xena465

xena465

16 years ago

War???

It breaks my heart that we, as humans, have to take part in such atrociousness to have peace and yet, for all who die in war, peace never comes...great write Lonnie. We have to be reminded of these things, if only to draw attention to the spoils of war. PS. Scribbler wanted to nominate twice, so I'll second that one for Stan. Xena
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thank you, Xena!

Your kind words and your vote means a lot, believe me! I'm glad you stopped by to read this piece and leave such a gracious comment!
M

magics02

16 years ago

Lonnie

An excellent piece of work here. Congrats to you for writing with so much love and feeling for our soldiers. Also a Nom from me for sure. Hope to see you in chat soon Mona
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thanks, Mona!

Your opinion is always welcome, and I'm glad you enjoyed this poem! I probably will see you in chat pretty soon!
S

scribbler

16 years ago

rue

Just came back for another read.Still brilliant,nothing lost.......scribbler
L

Lonnie

16 years ago

Thanks again, Scribbler!

I'm glad this poem impressed you so much you had to read it a second time! That really means a lot to me! I hope to be reading more of your work also!
lou

lou

15 years 12 months ago

Fantastic.........

Really Illustrates the horror of being a soldier. love lou xx
L

Lonnie

15 years 12 months ago

Thanks, lou!

As I always say, all feedback on my poetry is greatly appreciated, and I'm happy that you took time to read and comment!
Seren

Seren

15 years 12 months ago

Dear Lonnie

I say thank you from a granddaughter who always wondered but never asked for fear of causing hurt ... but you and many others I've read have selflessly bared your deepest pain and anguish ... for that I can only thank you ... love and hugs to you both JayCee ("Quote:-For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.-Ivan Panin")
L

Lonnie

15 years 12 months ago

Thanks again, Jaycee!

Complimentary comments from a talented poetess such as yourself are indeed an honor to receive! I'm happy if this poem answered some questions for you!
L

Lonnie

15 years 12 months ago

Thank you, Ann!

The cooling breezes of Norway always surround me when I receive a comment from you! Keep them coming, as it is very hot here! LOL!!!
Kailashana

Kailashana

15 years 12 months ago

Your response to Mand: “I

Your response to Mand: "I guess writing about past traumatic experiences is what gets me the most comments!" So true and I'm torn. I rue killing and war but deeply respect your poetic take, Lonnie! "Even if I knew the world were to end tomorrow, I would plant an olive tree today."-- Francis of Assisi
L

Lonnie

15 years 12 months ago

Thanks, Anna!

Well, you know the old saying, "Life's a Bitch and then you die!" Seems like it's more that way for ex-soldiers than most! Thanks for commenting!
DD

diana duncan

15 years 12 months ago

To Rue The Day

Hi Lonnie. This is the first poem I have read on this site because I am a "newbie". My husband served in the active forces when he was still a teenager and your poem reminds me so much of what he went through, but he cannot talk about it. For some reason, the indoctrination of soldiers to keep their experiences forever within them is profound. I like your style. All the best, Diana
L

Lonnie

15 years 12 months ago

Thank you, Diana!

and welcome to Neopoet! I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do, and I thank you for taking time to read and comment on my poem!
yenti

yenti

15 years 11 months ago

Hi Lonnie

When walking a path if you turn around you will see where you have been and that turning around opens up that path that has gone before. We will hold your ways, for as long as you need and when you no longer need will you help us to hold others, I know the answer will be, Yes! A great piece there ole Musty Tear, Yours Ian.T