Two Poems (Please comment on both if you can)

A Soldier’s Story

Jonah Petruic

I’m sorry mom, I can’t come home,

I’m afraid this isn’t a happy poem;

By the time you get this I’ll be dead,

In Belgium is where I lay my head;

I feel bad for the deed’s not yet done,

I should keep fighting until we’ve won;

But here in the hospital is where I lie,

So here is how I’ll say goodbye.

When I went to war I did believe,

I’d be home in time for Christmas Eve;

But 3 years later I’m still here,

In the trenches cowering in fear;

Machine guns drive us into our holes,

And artillery fire breaks our souls;

We hear soldiers crying out in pain,

In no man’s land where they're all slain.

But waiting has paid off, because days ago,

We drove back the blasted foe;

Their plan to take Paris we did foil,

For they are now back on Belgian soil;

We push and push and defend they try,

Their pledge to the Empire they do cry;

But now it appears they’ve met their fate,

As we now settle into a stalemate.

The battle today for us went well,

As the Belgian city of Passchendaele fell;

Into our hands as soldiers cheer,

And even Generals shed a tear;

I feel giddy despite the fact,

I’ve lost my legs in the attack;

They’re lost forever, never to be found,

Within the mud on that dreaded mound.

Belgium is where my life now ends,

It’s time for me to make amends;

For the men I’ve killed in this big mess,

It’s pulling the trigger I do detest;

I’ve said my prayers and I’m ready to go,

When I make it to Heaven I’ll let you know.

Don’t cry for me for I’m at peace

Just pray this endless war will cease.

I am now and forever am

Your loving son…

For the One I Love
Jonah Petruic

What’s a great thing about you?

I’d say it’s your eyes;

They’re amazingly blue,

And they tell me no lies.

You want another great thing?

It would have to be your smile;

For whenever I see it,

I stay happy for a while.

Yet another great thing?

That has to be your laugh;

It reminds me of the joy,

And the good times we have.

You still want more?

Then I must say you’re cute;

And everything you say,

Sounds as pretty as a flute

I love when you hug me,

With a tight, but soft squeeze;

I love how your hair,

Blows gracefully in the breeze.

The gentle touch of your lips,

When we softly kiss;

How you aim all your love,

At my heart and don’t miss.

But the best thing about you,

Is something I’ve heard;

It’s when you say “I love you,

And I mean every word.”