I Met A Soldier Once By Audra Larkin Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Poet's note: My poem “I Met a Soldier Once” explores the lasting emotional impact of war on those who experience it. Rather than focusing on battles or heroism, I presents the soldier as a quiet, ordinary person whose pain is carried inside. The chance meeting shows how war does not end when the fighting stops; it continues in the memories and behavior of the soldier. The tone of my poem is reflective and somber, encouraging the reader to feel empathy as i did. Through this brief encounter, I suggest that soldiers often return changed, carrying invisible wounds that others may not notice. Overall, the poem highlights the human cost of war and reminds readers to look beyond stereotypes of strength to see the emotional reality of those who serve.