Man Down Man Down

A sudden flash! A crack of sound! A punch like a heavyweight, and I’m on the ground, I can hear them shouting “MAN DOWN! MAN DOWN!” Pressure on my chest, can’t breathe, it feels like I am going to drown, Feel a tug at my gear and see their lips move, but why can’t I hear? I see the worry on their face, am I just another victim, of this damn place? My brothers they all gather round, as I lay here slumped on the Afghan ground, I now feel nothing, and I hear no more sound, Is this the way it’s meant to be? That bullet was definitely meant for ME! The medic, God bless her, looks distraught, with tears in her eyes, she gives me a shot. She’s worldly wise beyond her years, but I can see behind her tears. Through bloodshot eyes I can see him there, my brother in arms, I hear him swear, He’s my best mate, a friend and brother, we swore long ago, to look after each other. As he clasped me close, both covered in mud, we once shared everything, and now, My Blood! Many years ago, we promised each other, whoever went first; we would visit their mother, It must be my turn as the lights seem to dim, thank you dear lord, that bullet missed him, As I lay in his arms feeling chilled to the bone, he leaned close and whispered, “Sleep well now good buddy, you’re now GOING HOME!”