Here is this week’s entry into the weekly challenge brought to us by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Here are the rules: Use the photo as inspiration, write a hundred(ish) words – and share! Here goes my offering for this week – and I welcome your comments again!
Copyright – Managua Gunn
– Dulce et Decorum est… –
‘Soldier, soldier, won’t you marry me? With your musket, fife and drum…’
Jonathan whistled the tune through his teeth, sighed, and pulled his shoulders back again, shifting his ceremonial rifle slightly on his shoulder. Four more hours to go and he could already feel pins and needles tingling in his weapon-bearing arm.
This wasn’t what he had signed up for – solo ceremonial guard of a deserted palace in the empire’s most inaccessible territory.
He pictured his imaginary alter ego, leading a charge on the enemy – a hero, with a proper, working weapon.
Life could be such a let-down.
——
Click the blue froggy to read other writers’ offerings – and enjoy!
Freya Writes... 
Poor Jonathan! Obviously not what he had expected.
I enjoyed how you powerfully convey regret and hints of bitterness through his inner thoughts.
Thank you. I do wonder what goes through sentries’ minds on a particularly uneventful day…
This man obviously does not realize just how lucky he is.
I think you’re right. It’s part of the human condition though – wanting what we haven’t got.
Looks like old Jonathan got the “dulce et decorum est” part of the phrase all right, all right. Some others got the “pro patria mori” end of it. I suppose there are worse jobs to be had. I was a French Horn player in the Governor of Kansas’ Band. Sweet duty, actually. Needless to say, I had to laugh at this because it’s so true. Good work!
Thanks, Kent! I used the title for the exact reasons you mentioned. That Wilfred Owen poem is one that remains one of my favourites since I first read it over 30 years ago, as an emotional not quite teenager.
A bugle player sounds like great fun – I’m pleased you enjoyed my offering 🙂
I like that you used that song line to lead into your story.
janet
Thank you, Janet. It felt right, somehow.
for a man who wants action and has a lot of imagination, this should be really tough.. nice tale:)
Yep – he is very, very frustrated!
He’s lucky he has an imagination. It helps pass the time.
I agree, although I’m sure it could be frustrating. I would want to be writing my imaginings down!
I know, right!
Those imaginings will help to pass the time. I felt for poor Jonathon.
Indeed – a very slow (if safe) life!
Dear Freya,
You made me feel his frustration as well as his stiffening muscles.
shalom,
Rochelle
Then my work is done! 🙂
Ah, the disappointment of romance…
Indeed!
Great story! Life isn’t always what we want of it…
Thank you, Lorri. Although in this case, I think he should be careful what he wishes for!
I totally agree! It is an interesting, and a bit bizarre, portion, in many ways.
This soldier in the image sure has breasts, full thighs and nice rounded buttocks – and is that his hair bun 🙂
Oh poor guy! What a huge disappointment that would be. Some people just can’t get a break.
Absolutely! Although if he got what he wanted, he might not be so pleased with that either…
Love it… especially since I live in this outskirt empire of the world .You nailed that,,,
Haha! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Loved your story. Typically not happy with his lot, very boring, although much safer than leading a charge I guess.
Thank you, Dee. Indeed – definitely safer than leading a charge!
I checked out the latin and read WO’s poem and got a translation. So not only did I get enjoyment from your piece but got a bit of learning out of it. Thank you, ma’m.
You’re welcome. I’m really pleased you enjoyed my piece as well as learning some Latin, and reading Wilfred Owen’s poem. 🙂
Those fulfilling the role of “solo ceremonial guard of a deserted palace in the empire’s most inaccessible territory.” will not be killed in the prime of their life. A dead hero is still dead and will quickly be swept away with history.
I absolutely agree with you.
That probably wasn’t in the recruitment brochure. Typical… 🙂
Indeed!