"I Was Only Nineteen" is a poignant and powerful poem that speaks to the devastating effects of war on young people. Written by Australian singer-songwriter John Schumann, the poem tells the story of a young man who is sent to fight in the Vietnam War.
The poem begins with the narrator, a 19-year-old soldier, reflecting on his youth and the innocence that he has lost. He talks about how he used to dream of adventure and excitement, but now all he wants is to go home. The first stanza ends with the powerful line, "I was only nineteen." This line not only emphasizes the young age of the narrator, but also serves as a reminder of the many other young men and women who have been sent to fight in wars throughout history.
The second stanza of the poem describes the horrors of war that the narrator has experienced. He talks about the "mad minutes" of battle and the fear that grips him as he tries to stay alive. He also mentions the "booby traps" and "sudden" deaths that he has witnessed, as well as the "bombs and the bullets" that have taken the lives of his comrades.
The third stanza of the poem focuses on the aftermath of war and the emotional toll that it takes on the narrator. He talks about how he has "seen too much" and how he struggles to sleep at night. He also mentions the "shrapnel in my knees" and the "scars" that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
The final stanza of the poem is a plea for peace and understanding. The narrator asks that we remember the sacrifices of those who have fought in wars and work towards a world where such violence is no longer necessary. He ends the poem with the lines, "I was only nineteen / But my dreams were all shattered / The ones that I had held so dear / I was only nineteen." These lines drive home the point that war not only takes a physical toll on soldiers, but also destroys their hopes and dreams.
In conclusion, "I Was Only Nineteen" is a poignant and powerful poem that speaks to the devastating effects of war on young people. Its message of peace and understanding is one that resonates with readers of all ages, and serves as a reminder of the need to work towards a more peaceful world.
I Was Only 19, Short Story
I wished it was me. He took me under his wing. I was 19 and in the prime of my young life I was lookin4 you one day to be my wife You were a Sth Efrican spunkybum And sure i was liked by your mum We worked together then moved in together We thought that we were in love I was only 19 I played football with the men And hung out with mates back then I gave that up to be with you Coz remember that day When you said. Australian Chart Book 1970-1992. Retrieved 23 January 2008. Down he went still alive looking right into my eyes — was this a child? God help me, I was only nineteen.
I Was Only 19
Retrieved 30 April 2014. However, their age is superficial, they… Compare the Poem 'the Manhunt' and 'Quickdraw' Armatage uses imagery of war, such as 'parachute','bullet','unexploded mine'to illustrate the soldiers injuries and emotions. She seems to be in a rush The same rush I was in at only nineteen You know the one the rush to find independence, love and everything else that comes with newfound freedom Please slow down letting things happen in their own time I know that's hard to hear at only nineteen Girl you've got nothing but time Don't settle for less than you deserve I did and I have a broken heart to show for it My mistakes I share with you here so you don't cause yourself the same pain I did when I sat where you now sit Love will find you when you least expect it It won't be a boy whose only interest is in what you can do for him Instead, it will be a man who wants nothing more than to treat you like the treasure you truly are. It was a crucial part of their young lives that changed the way they would see their own world. Suddenly the soldiers are enrolled in the army and in trenches fighting for their lives. Maybe being half Polish and stubborn, i only have me to blame by not persuing her for an answer lol i just let it go and went back to my mates. That day I met Frankie he became my mentor and friend.
Red Gum
Because I have loved you, I will love you, and my love for you will not die. Later on in the story you also see the slight psychological damages the soldiers will have. Each song I listened, I felt the emotion that was poured on to the writing. VB is Victoria Barracks, ie a home away from home. So "Frankie" only had 11 months to go. This can refer to Agent Orange, a chemical that was used on dense jungle and bush areas to burn the foliage off the trees to find the Vietnamese soldiers tunnels and networks. When i drove up to our place Your dad was out front with a mean face There was a small truck with in it your belongings And i thought WTF??? These young men at the young age of fourteen believed that they could achieve anything.
I Was Only Nineteen by Raewyn Harlum
In contrast, Redgum's poem expresses the emotion of pride in the line, Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade. And Townsville lined the footpaths as we marched down to the quay This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean. It also shows that we should be there for each other, to stand beside each other and to do what is right. Retrieved 26 February 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2021. Some boys believed they were brave enough and strong enough to fight a tragic battle. They were pleasing poetry, with a simple arrangement to be played on the piano and was easily memorable to sing to others.
English Elephant: STETS: I WAS ONLY 19
This was not war like the comics or movies this was something else. He may not have any other scars, but it was clear that the accident really did kill him. People could relate to it and it subtly opens the idea that everything the person is exposed too, makes them slowly get detached from their lover. The song's and album's producer, The song was covered by Australian Army Band In 2005 a This song also plays a symbolic role in the 2006 book After "I explained that I was uncomfortable about the parody because first of all it's a sacred song, to Vietnam vets particularly, and other returned servicemen and women," Schumann said. The lyrics include summarized stories the war itself and also talks about the struggle of war after the fighting is over. And there's me in me slouch hat with me SLR and greens. We did Canungra, Shoalwater before we left.
Coyote poetry — I was only nineteen...
Both poems also dismiss the myth that war is glorious and heroes all return home, as both poems describe vividly how many men die on the battlefields and therefore do not return home. The "SLR" is the Self Loading Rifle, the standard armament of Australian Infantry in Vietnam. Owen calls this a lie by using good diction, vivid comparisons and graphic images to have the reader feel disgusted at what war is capable of. Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing-out parade at Puckapunyal It was a long march from cadets. I like this song as it is indictative of my life for a long time after returning home in a Hospital plane from battle Hill 861,over looking the Khe Sanh Combat. Repetition is used throughout the song to reinforce that the boy was only 19 and yet he was still being exposed to the horrors and brutality of war.
Redgum
They ranged as far from political ideas, to heroes in war, loved one's misfortune, and plenty more. I was onlynineteen… I was just nineteen…15,000 days ago, he was a soldier. Retrieved 2 November 2007. Some of those who heard this song for the first time never made it home alive. I can not Thank Australia enough for their help to my men and America during the Iraq War.