My dark side

My dark side

 

 

I have trained as an infantryman,

I learned how to kill effectively.

 

I learned how to carry out orders,

I was taught never leave a soldier behind.

 

Yes I can kill in the most efficient way.

 

But the most important thing I was taught,

was that life is sacred, to only kill if you have to.

 

It’s not something I am proud of,

learning how to kill.

 

I have traveled to other countries,

I have seen what the people have to offer.

 

I also learned that people can be the most beautiful things on earth.

They can show you love and compassion when you are in your darkest place.

 

So when people write of how they want someone dead, or hurting,

I feel it is because they hate themself the most.

 

I can hit a target a mile away,

I can squeeze off a round of the M60 and hit my target at 800 yards while my front sight post is bent.

 

But I can also give my rations to someone who is hungry.

I love to see their face when I give them some chocolate.

 

I can share a smoke with the elder of a village.

I would lay my life down so they will be safe.

 

It’s the hatred in the world the kills me inside.

what could we accomplish if we would only care inside.

 

This poem I write is the hardest thing I could ever admit to.

Author's Note

This is one of the hardest and most personnel things I have written.

Reviews

[redflutterby]

I can tell this is a personal write even without your authors note. I'm sure it was very hard to express. But you did it so well and with such honesty. We all have a dark side...but you showed the light side of you as well. And that is what matters ultimately...the good. ;-)

[ron]

Thank you Red. Your words mean a lot to me and I am sorry I don't say that enough.