SHELL SHOCK

The song is VERY powerful PLEASE listen to it! :)

My poor legs are cramped so badly and I
If I move from this ditch I know I will die,
I can't look at the Private's white face any more.
The hole in his gut gazing up at the sky.
He stopped his screaming but ten minutes before.

Filthy face, and bloody too, from earth that blooms
When Howitzers speak in dull thumps and loud booms,
Pea shooters, the Sergeant nearby had growled,
If peas grew as large as cabbages and howled,
From large metal bores death has sprayed,
As they flew, carving craters dug deep as graves.

Clouds tatter above me like clothes left to dry,
My hands won't stop shaking, no tears left to cry.
The minutes drag slowly as I hide from death,
I gasp, my ribs aching, from holding in breath.

If I move from this ditch I will die.

Author's Note

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a fantastic piece. Beautiful in its bite and simplicity.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Powerful stuff, that's for sure.

[Raymond Federle]

Thank you for all your wonderful reviews. I have and had many friends serving in all branches of the service.

[Jack...]

Raymond, this poem is heart breaking. Had my pulse racing and the adreneline flowing. I, fortunately, have never experienced something quite like this, but feel as if I have now because of your so very well written poem.

[Nusquam Esse]

I feel the second stanza is particularly powerful; love the description of peas being cabbages. An excellent, and powerful piece; all the more so, thanks to your tactful reiteration of that final line.

[Frieda P]

I had to hold my breath while reading this...very affecting Raymond, war really does suck.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, can really feel the wound, the fear, the demolition of war and how it shatters physically, and emotionally.

jacob