War Poems

Sad Poetry about War

Almost as long as there has been life, war has been a part of it. Mankind continues to wage war even though the consequences often breed nothing but misery. However, when a person is called to defend his or her country, or protect other defenseless people, it is his duty to fight. There is no question that there is evil in the world and we must not rest on our laurels and say it is none of our business. We cannot stand by and watch while others are being persecuted. It is the duty of mankind to uphold justice.

70 Powerful Poems about War

1. The Charge Of The Light Brigade
- By Alfred Tennyson
"Which guns?" they asked. Captain Nolan replied with a sweeping wave of his hand. Moments later the Light Brigade began to move. Six hundred men strong, they rode down the narrow valley in what has become a lesson taught to this very day in military academies worldwide about the importance of clear communication. The objective had been to hinder the retreat of the naval guns to the south of the battlefield. Instead, the Brigade was directed to a Russian position, which was a clear death trap. But though the orders were clearly suicidal, the men obeyed regardless and paid a heavy price. Almost half the Brigade was wiped out, and though little was accomplished strategically, the charge went down as one of the most glorious battles in British military history. News arrived in England, and while reading an account of the battle in the Times, Tennyson jotted down what has become perhaps his most famous poem.

Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!" he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred.

Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wonder'd.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre-stroke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not,
Not the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder'd.
Honor the charge they made!
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
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2. A Mother's Tear
- By Amy Peterson
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2014
My son went to war.....and there is nothing more helpless to a mother than knowing that her son could be dying without her and far away from all that he knows and loves. I dedicate this poem to my son, Sgt. Daniel L. Pocan, whose heart and soul was left in Iraq fighting with his comrades, may you find peace and freedom, and to all soldiers and their mothers still separated by war.

Poem About How War Changes Someone

There's more to the story,
than what just appears.
A war written story,
from blood and from tears.

There's more to the story,
than what just appears.
A war written story,
from blood and from tears.
My son went to war,
a very proud man.
He fought in Iraq,
on the hot desert sands.
He witnessed his buddies,
his comrades, his men,
bleeding and dying,
he witnessed their end.
Where is Pvt. Tommy?
He's blown up all around,
his comrades spent hours,
picking him from the ground.
Sleeping in holes,
dug in the sand,
dreaming of home,
but it's become foreign land.
He can't tell his enemy,
from family or foe,
as he watches his friends sent out,
with tags on their toe.
He knows his Mama,
is sleepless like him,
and he tries to send word,
whenever he can.
He tries not to worry,
his family at home,
the horror that he faces,
he faces alone.
His mission is over,
he's sent back to me,
he fought for our freedom,
but he'll never be free.
He yearns for his buddies,
that died over there.
He's caught with the living,
in a doubled looped snare.
He screams in the night,
for the battle still roars,
as he lays in his bed,
he re-lives all the horror.
Nobody heard the fight,
he still fights,
except for his Mama,
who comforts him every night.
He never will be,
the son I once knew,
the war killed that part,
for freedom, for you.
Great Nation, Great Leaders,
and all those who will hear,
Freedom began
on a mother's first tear.
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3. For A Soldier
- By Alisha
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2009
My name is Alisha McCreary. I'm fifteen years old. I live in North Carolina and my brother Scott has left for the army. I wrote this poem to show him what he means to me. I miss him so much, and when he gets stressed out or down, I write him a poem to bring him up a little. I think this was one of my best poems I have written him. I just wanted to share this one. I also want to say thank you for those who are supporting out troops, and I pray for those with family members in the army.

Poem From Sister For Her Brother

When you wake up in the morning or stay up nights on end,
Know that your sister is here till the very end.
When you gather your equipment and grasp your gun,
Know that you're loved, brother, uncle, son.

When you wake up in the morning or stay up nights on end,
Know that your sister is here till the very end.
When you gather your equipment and grasp your gun,
Know that you're loved, brother, uncle, son.

When you think of the memories we all shared before,
Think of the future and know that there'll be more.
When you look at pictures and see your wife,
I want you to smile brother because she is your life.

When you're hurting inside 'cause you think you've done wrong,
Lift your head up and remember you're strong.
When you fire your weapon and see injuries dead,
Please hold on tight; don't let it go to your head

When you leave from there and you're packed for home,
I want you to think back and know you weren't alone.
When you see us and we hold you tight,
I will smile and tell you that you held up a fight.

Be strong; I know you can do this.
Because when this is over, your life will be full of bliss.
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4. If I Don't Make It Home
- By Jodi M. Kucera
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2019
This is about a soldier who doesn't make it home to his wife, and he's telling her to remember him.

A Soldier Not Making It Home

If I don't make it home, please remember it wasn't because I didn't try.
The last thing I wanted was to make you cry.

I wanted more than anything to make it back to you,

If I don't make it home, please remember it wasn't because I didn't try.
The last thing I wanted was to make you cry.

I wanted more than anything to make it back to you,
But there was a job I just had to do.

As you were sleeping through the night,
We woke to the sound of gunfire; and I knew this would be my last fight.

It's my job to keep you safe and free,
And to do that I will give every ounce of me.

I am a soldier who will defend until the very end,
But that comes at a cost that I know I can't mend.

Keep a picture of me beside the bed and kiss me goodnight.
Imagine my arms around you, holding you tight.

Don't forget how my lips felt on yours.
Or my soft caress as our clothes fell to the floor.

Remember the warmth of my breathe as I whispered, "I love you," in your ear.
Just because I'm gone, my love doesn't disappear.

I know I broke my promise to be here to wipe away every tear.
You've cried a million of them every time you wished I were still here.

Please forgive me for leaving you so soon,
But my country called and needed me, too.
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5. A Mother's Wish
- By Mary Hodges
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2008
My daughter is about to leave to serve in Afghanistan. As a mother, I am both proud of her and afraid for her. I wrote this poem for her to keep with her, so that she will never feel alone. I also found that it really helped me to write it. Hopefully, it can do the same for those who honor me by reading it.

Come Home To Me

My darling, words cannot say
How proud I am of you today.
You're beautiful, courageous, good, and strong.
Taking up the cause to right the wrongs

My darling, words cannot say
How proud I am of you today.
You're beautiful, courageous, good, and strong.
Taking up the cause to right the wrongs
The world has caused for far too long.

I'll watch you go so far away,
So scared am I, but I will pray.
I'll send my angel to watch over you,
To keep you safe and guide you through
This very special work you do.

When I think of you I'm filled with pride.
I'll wipe the tears that I have cried.
I know you're doing what is right,
And I'm behind you in your fight.
Think of me, I'll be your light.

Don't be afraid, I'm here for you.
Trust in yourself; you know what to do.
This mission's important, soon you'll see.
You're there to help someone be free,
And when you're done, come home to me.

Come home to me.

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This poem has risen my emotions, i have shed tears as i scrolled down the lines. However thank you for reminding me of my fallen soldier brother, Simbwa, who died of multiple injuries just...

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6. A Soldier
- By Brionna C
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2015
I wrote this about a year after my husband came home from Afghanistan. I couldn't write or speak about it for a long time. This was the first time I wrote a little about my heartache during that time.

Poem About Loving A Soldier

He says he's leaving.
He'll be gone about a year.
He's headed off to fight the war,
And his time is drawing near.

He says he's leaving.
He'll be gone about a year.
He's headed off to fight the war,
And his time is drawing near.

I have no words of wisdom
To ease our aching hearts.
He'll be gone and I'll be here,
A thousand miles apart.

The danger that soldiers face,
He knows it all too well.
Still, he keeps our spirits up,
As our throats begin to swell.

The morning comes all too fast;
I'm not prepared at all,
Because I know there is a chance
My soldier won't come home.

My soldier is a strong man,
One that's brave and true.
He's not afraid of dying.
He fights for me and you.

So if you see a soldier,
Give him lots of praise.
Tell him that you're thankful,
You see the price we pay.
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My fiancee is in the Air Force (pilot), currently in Israel. He was supposed to come home in April, after being there a year. But he was offered a promotion last minute. He decided to take it...

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7. Defeat
- By Michael Prochaska
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2007
Feelings of the futility of endless fighting and the horrors of war.

Poem On The Horror Of War

Blood starts drippin' from the soldier's wound
Seeps like sewage 'neath the politician's room

Deep in the house, white fades to red

Blood starts drippin' from the soldier's wound
Seeps like sewage 'neath the politician's room

Deep in the house, white fades to red
And the freedom we're fighting for seems to be dead
'Cause we can't win like he once said
No we can't triumph over the hate in our enemy's head
But we're deep in mud over the bullshit we've been fed
While more and more soldiers awake in Heaven's bed

The wind is blowing like a hurricane
In the frightening desolated lands
Where the wolves are insane
And hawks feast on bloody hands

Bullets flying, children dying, mothers crying
While the beasts are lying and hiding
Behind black curtains that no one's finding
But God knows the truth, and He's forevermore sighing

Too many hands washed in widows' tears
Too many echoed gun shots ringing in ears
Too many hearts frozen numb from fears
Of hope too distant, like skylight chandeliers

Wounded souls soaked in blotched black fate
Disillusioned by dark demons' fate

Persistent nightmares of woebegone escape:
Screeching fervently under Liberty's Gate
I grasp the rope fabric with delicate care,
Neck tickling from its bristly hair
My chapped, dry lips whisper a final prayer
Before a tightening ravish pain permeates the air

A bright radiant flash scorches the cloudless horizon
And ashes drift upward, caressing my bare, dangling feet
Bleak, barren, biting malice below seems blazon
But the dead know not the sentiment of defeat.
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Very nice poetry. I am overwhelmed. The poet is great who understand teary and hearty feelings of the people towards our great soldiers.

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8. Words Not Spoken
- By Beatrice Boyle
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2006
Not all communication is verbal, and sometimes we know just how a person feels although they haven't said a thing.

Although he could not say with words
The love he felt inside,
He treasured every moment
And his heart would fill with pride.

Although he could not say with words
The love he felt inside,
He treasured every moment
And his heart would fill with pride.

He never said I love you,
But he came to every game.
Even in defeat, his son knew
He loved him just the same.

He'd pat him on the head
Or maybe ruffle his hair
And tell him he was proud of him
As long as he played fair.

When he graduated college,
I love you wasn't said.
He smiled as he shook his hand,
Mumbling, well done, my boy instead.

When his son went to war,
He trembled as he spoke,
And brushing away the tears,
He made a little joke.

Now, his son's come home,
And he stands with eyes downcast.
His hands stroking the coffin,
Saying I love you son at last!
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I cried!! Many families find it hard to say those most important 3 little words.

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9. The Life Of A Soldier
- By Jodi M. Kucera
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2018
I wrote this poem for my dad in 2015. He's a Vietnam veteran. I found out that May is Military Appreciation Month, so I sent him a text every day thanking him for something in regards to his service. This was the text on day 15. My dad has since passed away, but I still find myself longing to tell him "thank you" once last time.

We have an understanding, you and I.
We sit in silence; nothing needs to be said.

I know the weight you carry.

We have an understanding, you and I.
We sit in silence; nothing needs to be said.

I know the weight you carry.
You hold your head high, but inside you cry.

The life of a soldier is not an easy one.

Memories haunt you!
But you stand tall and show no fear.

The life of a soldier is not an easy one.

You hear voices of days past come rushing to your head.
You think to yourself, "He was a good one; why is he dead?"

You wonder if you should have done things differently.
No time to think, only react.

The life of a soldier is not an easy one.

The guilt is too much to bear.
Although you were wounded, you question,

"Why him and not me?"
You can't forget the faces that were there.

The life of a soldier is not an easy one.

We have an understanding, you and I.
You're a soldier for life; and it has not been an easy one.
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10. My Son
- By Theresa Kackley
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2008
I am a mother of three sons. My oldest son, Tim, is a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. My biggest fear was that he would want to enlist in the military. I knew if he joined he would end up, sooner or later, overseas. He currently is stationed in Iraq. This poem is about him. I work with teenagers and young adults with physical and mental disabilities. These students teach me something every day. I love what I do, what I can offer these kids and what they have to offer me. This is my ninth year in this line of work.

Poem By Mother Of A Marine

He stands tall
He stands proud
In a foreign country
Among a foreign crowd

He stands tall
He stands proud
In a foreign country
Among a foreign crowd

He leaves his family
He leaves his home
To fight for our rights
A new land he'll roam

He agrees to sacrifice
For his Country and God
All that he knows
With barely a nod

He withstands the heat
Death and despair
So we may carry on
With little a care

His days are long
His responsibilities many
But when asked what he needs
He says "I don't need any"

To hear his voice
To see his face
Any time
Any place

These are times
I treasure most
Before he has
To return to his post

The quick hello
That all-knowing smile
This man before me
Going the extra mile

Counting the days
Until his return
Each and every hour
I wish to burn

My Love for him
From the very start
Filled every depth
Of my heart

He's one of the best
And second to none
He is a Marine
HE IS MY SON
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Best poem I've read since I've been on the group. You are very close to my style and War is something I've been close enough to write about. Really moving poem you have written here and clear...

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11. Clutches
- By Hunter J. Fowler
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2016
This poem is about when my dad left for Iraq for the first time in 2004. While he was over there and I was on the phone with him, a rocket or mortar landed near him near the Mess Hall. He wasn't injured by it, but his first thought was to make sure I couldn't hear the full on explosion.

Poem About When A Father Leaves For War

There's a little boy standing by the fence with a flag in his hand.
He's sad and confused; he doesn't understand.
He watches his daddy turn and head up on the bus.
He watches him go and doesn't even fuss.

There's a little boy standing by the fence with a flag in his hand.
He's sad and confused; he doesn't understand.
He watches his daddy turn and head up on the bus.
He watches him go and doesn't even fuss.
"Why does it have to be my daddy?" he thinks to himself.
Then he thinks back to the pictures on the shelf
Of his dad dressed in a suit with a white cap,
But he doesn't know why daddy's going to Iraq.
He sees his daddy wave at him from the bus's window.
His heart is aching with every sinew.
"Daddy, come back!" he wants to yell,
Because even on the home-front, war is hell.

He stands at the front of class talking loud
About how his daddy is making the nation proud.
He still plays on the playground with all the other kids.
Some stop and ask where his daddy is.
He says he misses him and wants him back
From the clutches of Iraq.

He stands by the mess hall with a SATCOM phone,
Making a call to his family back at home.
His wife picks up and tells him her love and asks how he's been,
And then he hears a little voice chime in.
"Daddy, when are you coming home?"
There was a pause on the phone.
A mortar came in and landed near the Mess.
He knew he had to cover up the phone his best.
"Daddy, what was that sound?"
He couldn't tell him there were bombs landing around.
He said, "I love you," and played it off well,
Because when you're in it, war is hell.

He stands with his buddies talking loud
About his little son and how he makes him proud.
He still patrols around the war zone with all the other men.
Some stop and ask how the family's been.
He says he misses them and wants to get back
From the clutches of Iraq.

There's a little boy standing in a crowd with a flag in his hand.
His daddy's coming back from a foreign land.
The sound of horns blaze through the air
As the crowd erupts into fanfare.
He saw a line of soldiers get out.
He saw him and ran with a loud shout
And ran into his arms.
He was safe from all harms.
He got his daddy back
From the clutches of Iraq.
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This poem was beautifully delivered. Every word you wrote created a picture in my head. Well done.

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12. Soldier Daddy
- By Gina M. Makowsky
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2006
He's only two year's old, but he senses that his daddy's in danger and hopes he comes back soon.

To you, I may be very small
Or think I don't know much at all.
I've learned to grow up rather fast
With so much future and not much past.

To you, I may be very small
Or think I don't know much at all.
I've learned to grow up rather fast
With so much future and not much past.

I'm just two years old but often sad.
I want so much to hug my dad.
He's protecting us from far away,
His life on the line every day.

I watch my mom and see her cry.
I already know but still ask why?
Her heart is hurting, yet she tries to smile,
And we hold each other for a little while.

I'm still young, yet very wise.
I have my fun but realize
My soldier daddy is brave and strong.
I pray his deployment won't be long.
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Such a touching poem. I love it so much, because of it, I am now doing it to present to my class. ??

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13. My Brother
- By Amanda L. Thurnherr
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2006
A plea from sister to brother. "Don't leave; I have never told you the love that is in my heart!"

Brother Leaves For Marines

You've been there for me
Through it all.
You're always there to catch me
When I start to take a fall.

You've been there for me
Through it all.
You're always there to catch me
When I start to take a fall.

If I do something bad,
You'll take the blame,
And for all of that,
I am feeling shame.

I never did tell you
All the things I felt,
Like how I really love you
And in my heart you'll dwell.

You protected me from the world
That left the bruises on your face.
All the tears and scrapes,
I wish I could erase.

When my life fell apart,
You patched things up.
You took care of my heart
When times got rough.

With just the warmth of your touch,
You saved me from the world.
You loved me so much,
But my love for you was not said.

If you knew what I knew,
Maybe you'd stay home.
If you heard what I didn't say,
Maybe I wouldn't be alone.

If you could see the part of me I hid away,
Maybe you could see
How much I want you to stay
Here at home with me.

You may think I don't care
Because I never show it,
But I'll always be here,
And I hope you know it.

Wish we could go back.
We can start over again.
I don't want to be alone.
I need a brother; I need a friend.

If you think of me
While you're protecting the country,
Think of how much you mean to me
And how proud I am of you, Donny.

Remember I will be here
When you're at the battlefield.
I'll be here for you
As your love shield.

Do not leave this world
While you're overseas.
Do not leave this little girl.
Do not leave me.

If you do have to go
Before I say goodbye,
Remember I love you so
As you begin to fly.

Remember I will be here
Through and through.
Remember I will always care
Just as much as you do.

You've done so much for me,
And yet I not for you.
I hope you will forgive me
For all the things I didn't do.
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I know how you feel, I do share the same thing but they're are still my brothers regardless of what they do. I'll still love them no matter what. I will wish you and your brother good luck...

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14. Veterans Day Limerick
- By Neil Dickinson
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2014
A limerick for our veterans

There are times we want to forget,
Like when troubles and sadness we've met,
But this day in November
We'll always remember

There are times we want to forget,
Like when troubles and sadness we've met,
But this day in November
We'll always remember
The heroes to whom we're in debt.

They were young, full of life and ambition,
But some dreams never reached their fruition.
With their lives put on hold,
They were daring and bold
And accomplished their ultimate mission.

Most returned when the battle had ended,
Some with wounds that would never be mended.
Many others did not,
Having died where they fought
While ensuring our home was defended.

But in spirit they'll always be here.
To our hearts they will always be near.
While our eyes may be wet,
We will never forget.
Let's remember each day of the year.

War is with us again on this day.
We have daughters and sons in the fray,
So let's wish them Godspeed
And the wisdom we'll need
So they'll never again go away.
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So many in my family went to war. And most came back. I am lucky and want to recognize all the people who have lost their lives to protect you.

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15. Beat! Beat! Drums!
- By Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman was known as the founding father of American poetry. This poem was first published in 1861, the year the Civil War began. Although this poem depicts life during wartime in the 1860s, it shows a broad picture of how war changes the everyday lives of communities. No matter the time period, war impacts people in many ways.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows—through doors—burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation,
Into the school where the scholar is studying,

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows—through doors—burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation,
Into the school where the scholar is studying,
Leave not the bridegroom quiet—no happiness must he have now with his bride,
Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, ploughing his field or gathering his grain,
So fierce you whirr and pound you drums—so shrill you bugles blow.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Over the traffic of cities—over the rumble of wheels in the streets;
Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? no sleepers must sleep in those beds,
No bargainers’ bargains by day—no brokers or speculators—would they continue?
Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums—you bugles wilder blow.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Make no parley—stop for no expostulation,
Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer,
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man,
Let not the child’s voice be heard, nor the mother’s entreaties,
Make even the trestles to shake the dead where they lie awaiting the hearses,
So strong you thump O terrible drums—so loud you bugles blow.
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16. The Man He Killed
- By Thomas Hardy
How terrible is war? You might meet someone and kill them in war, but if you had met that same person in peace, you might have been friends and even bought him a drink or given him some money.

Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have set us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!

Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have set us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!

But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot at him as he at me,
And killed him in his place.

I shot him dead because--
Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
That's clear enough; although

He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,
Off-hand like--just as I--
Was out of work--had sold his traps--
No other reason why.

Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat, if met where any bar is,
Or help to half a crown.
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17. The Last Letter
- By James Clark Jr
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2012
I am prior military and my son is in the military. While my son was in combat they lost several soldiers. And I just thought that this might be something that a dying Hero might say.

Poem From A Dying Soldier

A tear ran down her cheek
As she read the words he wrote
His dad sat at the table
With a lump in his throat

A tear ran down her cheek
As she read the words he wrote
His dad sat at the table
With a lump in his throat
The letter was stained
With blood mixed with sand
It was a letter
From their son in a far off land
The letter said, Mom the pain I cannot stand
From the shrapnel that ripped through this young man
I feel the pain so badly
It makes me scream and cry
I know I will not see you
I know that I will die
So I just wanted to say
Before God calls me home
Don't worry about me anymore
No, I am not alone
I know that there will be days
That you both sit and cry
I know there will be days
That you wonder why
The reason is Mom
This is what I signed up to do
So that our country can stay free and true
Well, I will go now
Things are starting to fade
No, I am not alone, Mom, nor am I afraid
But before God calls me home there is something
I must say
I thought of you all each and every day
The medic, he is trying to keep me alive and ease my pain
But I must go now
It is time; God, he says so
I love you all and miss you
This is the last letter
The last one I wrote
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18. A Soldier's Reason
- By Jason E. Rose
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2006
A father leaves his son for the noblest of reasons.

I can remember the first time that I
saw your smiling face,
I held you close to my heart, you could
probably hear it race.

I can remember the first time that I
saw your smiling face,
I held you close to my heart, you could
probably hear it race.
I changed your first diaper, and I know
it took a while.
You're daddy's baby boy, and you're the
perfect child.
It's been about two months now, and I
don't have much to give,
so daddy must leave for a while so that
you may live.
When I come back, son, I know you won't
remember me,
but we'll build a bond at the fishing
pond with unforgetable memories.
It's time for me to go now, son, to build
a soldier's legacy,
to fight a war in another land; someday
you will be proud of me.
Not so much for country, not so much
for pride.
But for you, my baby boy, for your
future I would die.
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19. Mr. Leather
- By Patricia L. Cisco
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2018
This short poem for Veterans Day is to give honor to the many selfless heroes who sacrificed themselves in so many ways and in so many wars throughout history so that we can live in freedom. Many of the heroes will carry those scars forever! Freedom isn't really free. Our heroes fought and sacrificed all for the price of our freedom!

In Honor Of Veterans

From year to year he drifts alone.
His story only few have known.

About a boy who went to war,

From year to year he drifts alone.
His story only few have known.

About a boy who went to war,
and there he stayed forevermore.

His leathered skin and graying hair,
his tattered clothes and gazing stare,

standing tall, yet head so low,
he carries scars we'll never know.

So know that our freedom isn't free.
It came from heroes such as he!

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20. My Marine
- By Marcia Willette
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2014
My first born son left today, 8/15/14, on deployment with the USMC. The feelings I have are overwhelming. I wanted to put my feelings into words, and I know that other moms and dads share my same thoughts. I think it will touch many lives.

Poem About My Son Being Deployed

My Marine so far from home.
Over seas, but not alone.
I hold you close in my thoughts and prayers.
Missing you through all my tears.

My Marine so far from home.
Over seas, but not alone.
I hold you close in my thoughts and prayers.
Missing you through all my tears.
Raising you to be a man.
Becoming a Marine
Was not in my plan.
My first born son,
So proud of you.
Proud of all you have been trained to do.
Come home safe,
I need you to,
For missing you is hard to do.
All my love, Mom
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Seasonal Poetry Collections

War Poems

Sad Poetry about War

70 Powerful Poems about War

1. The Charge Of The Light Brigade

2. A Mother's Tear

3. For A Soldier

4. If I Don't Make It Home

This is about a soldier who doesn't make it home to his wife, and he's telling her to remember him.

5. A Mother's Wish

6. A Soldier

I wrote this about a year after my husband came home from Afghanistan. I couldn't write or speak about it for a long time. This was the first time I wrote a little about my heartache during that time.

7. Defeat

Feelings of the futility of endless fighting and the horrors of war.

8. Words Not Spoken

Not all communication is verbal, and sometimes we know just how a person feels although they haven't said a thing.

9. The Life Of A Soldier

10. My Son

11. Clutches

This poem is about when my dad left for Iraq for the first time in 2004. While he was over there and I was on the phone with him, a rocket or mortar landed near him near the Mess Hall. He wasn't injured by it, but his first thought was to make sure I couldn't hear the full on explosion.

12. Soldier Daddy

He's only two year's old, but he senses that his daddy's in danger and hopes he comes back soon.

13. My Brother

A plea from sister to brother. "Don't leave; I have never told you the love that is in my heart!"

14. Veterans Day Limerick

A limerick for our veterans

15. Beat! Beat! Drums!

16. The Man He Killed

How terrible is war? You might meet someone and kill them in war, but if you had met that same person in peace, you might have been friends and even bought him a drink or given him some money.

17. The Last Letter

I am prior military and my son is in the military. While my son was in combat they lost several soldiers. And I just thought that this might be something that a dying Hero might say.

18. A Soldier's Reason

A father leaves his son for the noblest of reasons.

19. Mr. Leather

20. My Marine

My first born son left today, 8/15/14, on deployment with the USMC. The feelings I have are overwhelming. I wanted to put my feelings into words, and I know that other moms and dads share my same thoughts. I think it will touch many lives.