Write about someone in the military. Prompt #74

Write about someone you know who is currently serving in the military or who has served. What branch of the military? What country? What would you like us to know about this person?

Is there an author who writes about the armed services or books you like with a military theme? Tell us, we want to know.

MedalJane

Photo of Purple Heart Medal taken by Jane Person. Her father, First Lt. John Person, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart following his combat in World War II, April 1943.
The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. Military armed forces. Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washing in 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nation’s oldest military award.

Prompt: Write about someone in the military.

Ready for your next prompt? Find a full list of prompts on the Prompts page

  1. mcullen Avatar
    mcullen

    On The Field of Praise By Jane Person

    Onto the field of praise the little soldiers march.

    Wee lads in military garb slog through

    mustard weeds, golden in promise of spring.

    These innocents draw silver sabers from waist-straps.

    They duel upon the stumps of rotten wood where

    raw battle once was fought by soldiers petrified.

    Red liquorish stick guns drawn from play-packs—

    in the fray sugared bits hit the sacred ground.

    Grass-patch now spotted in red candy bites.

    Sweet lads lick sweeter lips. Under mustard and

    tender grass, lies blood of the springless soldiers–

    oh, these fields of praise, once bloody fields of death!

    Remember those sad days. Never do forget–

    shameful waste, those tasteless bloody battles.

    In green garb brave lads never meant to fight

    now play upon the dead. Do not forget. War

    never is a game. Sons, now our daughters too,

    do not need praise—when rather life would do.

    Reply
  2. mcullen Avatar
    mcullen

    Wow, Jane, powerful! Strong verbs and nouns, sensory detail make this a memorable poem. Thank you for sharing your sensitive writing.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *