Back In Camp - Military Poetry

BACK IN CAMP

Weary soldiers wend their way through the gates

Under watchful sergeants sharp eyed gaze

Every hole in the line a stutter in the heartbeat of the unit

Surgeons tend the wounded as the hale praise the fates

Weapons are whetted to the sounds of injured cries

Saddles removed, steeds are lovingly tended

Leather gear checked for abrasions against future danger

Sheathed once more, swords scrape against thighs

Shrouded corpses stacked like cordwood, death wagons trundle through

Each creak of the wagon wheels the groan of a tortured soul departing

Newly restored silence descends as living rise to mourn late friends

Helmets in hand, each aware that their own final debt could have come due

As a semblance of normality returns to the encamped

Brothers in arms toast to having survived to fight again

Around fires false bravado and laughter-camouflaged grief a riotous sound

More taciturn look on in grim appreciation, no judgment stamped

Newly fed and watered, horses whicker in the stables

Sides heaving with panting breath as they recover

From exertions beyond what any animal should ever be asked

Quiet grooms brush tangled manes and dream of homes sweet gables

Officers retire to command tent to plan the next campaign

Proud at the valor and strength of their courageous fighting men

While shaking heads at the unearthly resiliency of the young

Tomorrow, heaven forbid, once more to face the enemy again