Outside the Wire: A U.S. Marine's Collection of Combat Poems and Short Stories

by Justin T. Eggen

Outside the A U.S. Marine’s Collection of Combat Poems & Short Stories is a soul-searing collection of poems and stories from the front lines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Author Justin T. Eggen experienced two combat deployments in Afghanistan, Marjah 2010 & Sangin Valley 2011, fighting the Taliban (and occasionally the weather) with his brother warriors. Back from the front, he wrote this masterful description of the realities of war. Many of the poems are haiku, a form at which he shows great adeptness. Mixed in with the poems are three slice-of-life storiesdealing with the everyday life of Marines incombat. This book is not to be missed.

136 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2017

About the author

Justin T. Eggen is a father, 2X award-winning poet, motivational speaker, combat veteran and undergrad at Florida Atlantic University. He served active duty Marine Corps from 2008-2012 as a combat engineer attached to 2nd CEB, 2nd MARDIV.

Military Achievements:
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Combat Action Ribbon (Afghanistan)
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation
Afghanistan Campaign Medal (x2)
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
NJP (x1)

Reviews

[Adam Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior juxtaposition poet, this a modern manifestation of masculinity. When a warrior is finished with their tour of service their story wants out. Justin has opened himself up to tell us his story.

This book of poems and short stories could be completed in one sitting. Much like combat could be powered through but it would not be effective. This book is best picked up, read a bit paused then continued to be read. If you are not well versed in the modern vernacular of the warrior have no fear this book does not have a lot of slang.

Thank you Mr Justin Eggen for sharing.

[Frank Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

During World War I we came to learn of poets like Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and Robert Graves. They wrote of unspeakable horror and the inner nightmare that they as soldiers had impressed into them. Now we are in the midst of the so-called Forever War. And a great poet has emerged: Justin Eggen. His poems are short - so short you want to beg for it to be longer. But that in itself speaks to his talent to draw on your emotions, conveying the short, violent skirmishes that define the war in Afghanistan. He’s a superb talent who’s voice will speak for this age for decades to come.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021 - Sibling Reading Challenge.

Manual log of a hard copy.

Having read his other works in a back-to-back manner I know I don’t commit a disservice by rating it more poorly than his other works. This being Eggen’s first published work it’s easy to see how he grows as a mature writer and poet. I appreciate the glimpses that he shares with us but know and love that I’ll be here to watch him succeed as he grows.

Favorite: “Under Stress” & “Belt Fed Tongues”

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin delivers griping poetry that explores the mindset of a front line warrior battling a multitude of unseen enemies - dehydration, fatigue, boredom, hidden explosives, and enemy snipers. A must read for civilians and warriors alike.

[Adam Wilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite poets. Read this collection!!!