A Pantoum of War by C.S. Griffel

When bombs explode

I feel nothing,

In fact, my pace in slowed,

There is no point in rushing,

No place to hide, no, nothing,

Death will surely come

For every soldier rushing,

No matter where they run.

I know that death will come—

I’ve seen it take my brothers

No matter where they run,

Wrenching tears from mothers.

Proud to die, my brothers!

How nobly did they die,

Wringing tears from brave mothers,

In eternity they abide.

How bravely did they die,

Leaving me here, alone

Where in dust I now abide

While to glory they have flown.

I see the soldiers rushing

And my walking pace is slowed,

For my own life I feel nothing

As the bombs explode.