Remains - Simon Armitage

CONTEXT
Armitage interviewed many soldiers in, preparation of this poem, from many different wars, including the Gulf War. The reference to 'desert sand' is a reflection from the Gulf War. This poem lacks the humor that many others have and instead paints a picture of a soldier with PTSD.

THE STORY OF THE POEM
A group of soldiers shoot a man who is running away from a bank raid that he has been involved in. (His death is described in graphic detail).
The soldier who is telling the story has guilt playing on his mind; he isn't sure is the man was armed or not.
He is suffering from PTSD - he is haunted by the events 

KEY THEMES IN THE POEM
Effects of Conflict (on the mind - PTSD)
Reality of Conflict (brutality and raw)
Memory (effecting on the brain)
Guilt (of killing)
Individual Experience

FORM
There is no regular rhyme scheme or line length - more like a story than a poem
Starts with plural pronouns ('We') but then changes to the singular ('I') part way through - more personal, takes all responsibility, sounds like a confession.
Final couplet - both have the same meter, feeling of finality and hints the guilt will always stay

STRUCTURE
Begining - Starts as if it's…