Tag: Soldier

Cough and Breakfast

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The next trip was a fall, but I lacked ground
How could I be grounded, being born in the Most High?
How could I be so high when the lowly are close to the Lord’s eye
I know why
I know why I would cry
I know why, no matter what I said, I was unheard
Because no man, no matter how female she is, was born to be prayed to

The hills didn’t heal me, though I climbed up the rungs of wrong rights
Wrong rites, yes, because everything is part of a ritual to make you rich in something
Reach for something
Sum things up and find the difference between breathing and being alive.

But I forgot…

I forgot the lessons the lashes had whipped into my health
I forgot that I couldn’t get new life from the words death spelt
Life had to die just to give death Life
Tell another man’s cake to avoid my knife

The next trip was a fall, but I’m a flying thunder god
Kuchiyose Arome sermons, I sank in Word
Water’s still the best reply to artless mud
Affidavit in the heavens with my new name
Only thing I really lack is enough shame
But I forgot all that once the trip started
If you knew your Delilah, would you stick the chicks prescribed
Or let your cock crow while avoiding getting haircuts?

I forgot…

But the Spirit is soul-syrup and dinner for two
And the pawn becomes a Knight in Ephesians Six Armour
Pilgrim-steeze, and abundant life is the final destination
Soldier Boy, tell them where your heart is hidden

Make me stronger, Lord
To say no to yeye
Take my heart away
Hide it where they cannot steal it
Where they cannot break it

The next trip…

Godzniel
©2026

FALLEN AT HIS FEET

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I carry no fear on my shoulders
I have saved no teardrop to shed
I have left every iota of worries

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Worries? They have no rooms in me for rent
Harmony, peace and joy cram the whole story
Every other issue is backstory

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Backstory is a tale of yesterday
I spend time now swimming in God’s love
Waves of pain, illness and disease are

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Disease of the Egyptians shall not know me by name
Cancer is a raging empty threat
Hunger and starvation their powers rid

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Rid of gory garments and pierced sides
Christ rose in glory with fierce strides
Armed soldiers strapped with sleep

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Sleep in the arms of a loving mother
Tomorrow the fever with shudder
Because all the bugs in a million march lie

Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

March, march on Christian soldier
Relieved of every burdensome weight
Tomorrow is certain, today is fixed, last night is
Fallen at His feet, fallen, where sin is
Fallen at His feet, gathered in dirt heap

Rebekah E.
© 2020

Who I Belong To

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I’ve heard of the sweat and essence
Of loved ones
Worn in a vial around the neck
Wrapping them in the fragrance of love

I’ve heard of a lady’s favour
Worn on armour
To protect the soldier in battle
And surround them with home

I’ve heard of love marks
Left by lovers
Like dogs marking their territory
Each tiny red welt saying “mine”

I’ve always wanted one of those
I’ve always wanted to feel owned
And belonged to
And belonging to

This craving has drove me into the arms
Of pharaohs and philistines
And mad scientists and thieves
Who plunder and take and take apart

I seemed to have forgotten
I did belong to One
Father, Son and Spirit

I wore the fragrance of His peace
My heart was His favour
Worn around His ‘holey’ palms in pride
His Spirit was my love mark
Shining through my words and my eyes and my prayers
Screaming “Mine!”

When I did remember
My world was alright again.

Ifechukwu Miracle
©2020

Requiem for the Disarmed Forces

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I have always admired soldiers
Just like I have always ignored Valentine’s Day
But on the day, I make a statement.

Not because my silence isn’t sweetin me
Not because I am obligated to speak.

I have always admired soldiers,
as their sacrifices vary
from patriotism to sheer employment
from investment to raw adventure

I don’t just remember soldiers on a remembrance day,
especially because I am Igbo
a tribe that has forgiven genocide and discrimination.
I don’t just remember soldiers on a remembrance day,
especially because I am Nigerian
a country that has forgiven military dictatorships and coups.

I don’t just remember soldiers on a remembrance day,
especially because my friend Eric is a soldier,
a man that shares history, hopes and happiness with me.

I remember soldiers,
the fallen and the standing,
especially because guard-room is real,
and no reward is enough for the soldier;
Except for Freedom and the heat of battle.

From God is true freedom…
but when it comes to battle,
Arise, Oh compatriots…

The Niel
©2020