Fragment 114

Archilochus

I don’t like a general
who towers over the troops,
lordly with elegant locks
and trim mustachios.
Give me a stumpy soldier
glaringly bowlegged,
yet rockfirm on his feet,
and in his heart a giant.

Translated by William Barnstone 1988.

Every day I select a war poem, and respond to it, generally in poetic form. But perhaps not. Each poem grabs at something a little differently. Sometimes the themes blend together, sometimes they contradict. Many poets, were veterans themselves, others not. Their perspectives vary, and the poetry does in response. I’ll continue to do this as long as I keep finding poetry that explores novel or meaningful themes. You know, until the well runs dry.

Poster child

He’s beautiful, in his war paint
Better suited for a recruiting poster
Strong jawed, broad shouldered
A firm grip, and glowering eyes
No use for this one, or his photoshoot
Rising out of the water, for a cameraman
We need gravel in their guts
A pot belly, and a strong back
And something, the camera can’t see

IMAGE: 1990s USMC Recruiting Poster