How do the phrases in Gillian Clarke's "Lament" make it a memorable poem?

In "Lament" by Welsh poet Gillian Clarke, the phrases in
the poem make it memorable because the imagery the words create have an enormous impact
on the reader, making each line noteworthy and
memorable.

The word " href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lament">lament" means "an
expression of grief or sorrow," and you will note that each line presented begins with
the word "For." Clarke's poem is a lament, an expression of sorrow, "for" each image
described. The poem is based on pictures taken during the Gulf War, in Kuwait and
Afghanistan; Clarke's stunning and frightening descriptions bring the images of war into
the mind and experience of the
reader.

One compelling line refers to sea water with a
"mortal stain."

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For the ocean's lap with its mortal
stain...

This seems to
clearly refer to blood on the water, especially with the use of the word "mortal." On
the other hand, it has been suggested that it refers to the burning of oil on the water,
as the flames reflect the color of the fire.

The next line
needs little commentary; the mental picture clearly speaks to the reader of the horrors
of war:

For
the soldier in his uniform of
fire...

The following line
describes the burning on the ground, which creates so much smoke that it blots out the
sun in the sky because the smoke is so thick...

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For the burnt earth and the sun put
out...

Gillian Clarke's poem,
"Lament" is a sorrowful recounting of the scenes of war, shown in words that reflect
war's loss and destruction.