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