Day 1

The brain baked and befuddled, the arid wind stole my breath. I stood there among the men, men far better than the rest. Brave men who willingly chose to leave their lovers’ breast, to be shuttled to the barren sea of sand and death. The men stowed their fears and began their quest, one that would surely put their hearts to test. Before the day was out we found ourselves sorely pressed, the bombs rained and bullets sprayed, the waves began to crest. The feted stench of blood and flesh poisoned the men with every breath. The angels cried as the brave ones rest, and joined the others in silent death. The remaining fought on at the general’s behest. Sweat and blood streaked their scowls as they fought like men possessed. Vengeance burned their hearts for their friends suppressed, they fought the coming waves in blood and gore stained vests. The day wore on, no progress made, I became depressed. I’d already lost two friends to this awful cosmic jest. The call to prayer sounded and the air seemed to freeze. The sun sagged low and took our nemeses to the east. A cheer arose as our enemies fled, to be replaced by fear and nagging dread. They would return, for we all knew, they had to avenge those we slew. The dead tended, the brave lay down in their little nests. Only there did the tears flow for those who’d gone to rest. I wonder, now that the day was done, what horrors tomorrow will bring, if today, this day, is only DAY 1.