The Returning Soldier
Many a time we face the battle of life like untried soldiers. And, like untried soldiers we are never fully prepared for the sometimes-dramatic consequences of warfare. Then when we confront life’s amoral demands for conformism we become stunned like deer caught in the headlights.
But having taken institutional vows we feel we are under moral obligation to act the part to keep up appearances. Oftentimes this may come at a cost. It may come at the cost of a slow and painful death of core values, of dreams and of self.
Yes, we kill off our dreams and other aspects of self for appearances because we are mindful of the oath taken.
At times as returning and rebounding soldiers we are so broken that it is quite challenging – near impossible to make the psychosocial adjustments required. Yet we soldiers return to wherever home is, to face ridicule after having sacrificed a part of ourselves for that which was judged as valuable, or for some other – perceived greater good. So, did I.
This short exposition is hopefully a guide to the understanding of the poem “The Returning Soldier” which follows:
The Returning Soldier
Soldier, did you kill a man?
How did it feel?
Woman, did you leave your man?
How did it feel?
This woman did kill a man—
Soldier, did you kill a man?
How did it feel?
Woman, did you leave your man?
How did it feel?
This woman did kill a man—
not that man, this inner man, in partial suicides,
in sneaky, slow dyings
with the technology of sharp-shooting inner snipers
configured by the Cain of conservatism.
She was a terrorist against herself,
blowing body parts to bits,
soul and blood raining down upon a tortured landscape
to join those of Abel in post-Edenic torpor.
Be a self-preserving surgeon like this woman.
Amputate the amalgam of selves that anesthetizes
and forces you to choose another’s interest over your own.
But don’t you dare sit in your sterile towers
and politicize and sensationalize her cracks at survival.
The Returning Soldier is taken from my book Splendor from Ashes
IngridRizzolo-MyWrite 
Thanks for this! It is so great to have insight into a world I have not experienced!
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I think it’s hard for those of us who have not been in the military or experienced war to understand what it’s like to come after such an ordeal.
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This hits so close to home for me. I was raised by a solider. The best mom ever. She provided therapy for returning soldiers after the Gulf War. Soldiers are so strong and brave, but so under valued. Thanks for writing this so some people can gain understanding of the life a solider lives. Much Love!
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My dad served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a dentist and didn’t see combat but he did work in the hospitals and has told us so many stories about what he and his fellow soliders endured.
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Soldiers experience so much that we don’t even think about.
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Wow! Thanks for sharing this!
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I can only imagine how hard the transition must be from leaving a band of “brother/sisterhood” or togetherness to being in your home space. Most people are walking in their own shoes and thinking of their own thoughts and after having to go out each day to do nothing but protect others, this adjustment has to be a difficult one. We need to do more to acclimate soldiers once they are leaving the force and returning home. Period.
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Interesting narrative..
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I can’t imagine what it takes to serve, the sacrifices made, and the mental stress. I am so thankful for the gift of freedom. Very thought-provoking post. Thank you for sharing this.
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It’s got to be one of the hardest jobs in the world, and I’m so grateful others who are stronger than me do it so that I don’t have to, and so my family can be safe.
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Thank you for sharing this, it was very moving. I have so much admiration for those who have served.
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
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Wow, amazing! A lot of people including myself will never understand what the real life of a soldier is like. Great to have some insight and glimpse of why we must support them!
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I work with several non-profits in Texas that serve Veterans and First-Responders. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for their sacrifices!
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Soldiers experienced so much pain rather than us like living their loved ones is not easy without an assurance that they will be coming back.
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Thank you for giving us something to really think and feel about today!
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I definitely have never seen this experience but there were hints of it in American Sniper.
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Thank you so much for your service and all that the people in service does. This is very insightful and inspiring.
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Thanks for this insight into a world I don’t know much about!
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My husband just retired after 20 years in the Navy. This hit my heart. Thank you for writing and sharing it!
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Thank you for sharing. I can not imagine what the life of a soldier is like.
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My grandfather was a WW2 veteran, and my uncle a Korean War vet…neither would ever talk about their experience, and reading this helps me understand why. Beautiful words for such an ugly truth.
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Thanks
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I don’t think I can even imagine what a returning soldier must feel like. What must go on in their minds?
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I’ve seen movies and television shows portraying the lives of those in the military, but your narrative really shows the deep emotional stresses that they deal with every day.
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Thanks
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Wow. Powerful words! Exquisitely written.
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Thanks
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Your excerpt is so powerful. I’m putting your book on my reading list. Thank you.
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Thanks
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unless you´ve been in the same situation, its impossible to understand what you feel and the consequences of warfare, for soldiers and their family! Glad you came back “safe” and you can write about it
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Thank you for illuminating and very beautifully written
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I’m dreaming of a world where no sons, daughters, parents or siblings need to go to war.
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Oh yes
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Loved your blog and your efforts to talk about the vulnerable,Appreciate your courage and strength !.Keep writing
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I am very familiar with military my ex husband and my older brother. I remember hearing the stories and what it was like. Even that being so close to home you still don’t know it all.
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