Hello everyone, today I would like to do a writing prompt that will take a previously written poem by Michael Anthony from our new book, After Action Review entitled “American Soldier,” and have people write the poem in their own words. Below I have an example of how I took the poem and reworked it using my own language. This exercise will allow you to use the opening lines of the poem - “When I say…I am an American Soldier,” and create your own poem or story. You can be as creative as you want you just have to use the opening line at least once, if not repeatedly. I am really looking forward to reading what everyone comes up with! Keep writing and keep creating!
Jason Gunn
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am not a bringer of peace
But a destroyer of families and nations
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am not supported by my country
But brought down by its negligence
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am not proud or strong
But betrayed and broken
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am not the image you see on the posters
I am the shut-out you do not wish to see
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am not proud of the medals that hang from my chest
But honored by the memories of fallen friends and the scars
Earned in the protection of others on the line
When I say… “I am a soldier”
I am no longer fighting for a country’s greed
But fighting myself to forgive and forget
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