In Marked Territory

Battered bricks in broken streets of chaos and destruction All that's left is billowing smoke from bomb blasted buildings The sky is a different color now, the smell is of death My team huddled against these ramshackle walls, holding our breath Knowing we're all in marked territory within the enemies den The Enemy, not even sure if that's them for it may be us But no matter we are just carrying out our orders...For what? To impose our philosophies and way of life, is that even right? So many thoughts we shouldn't think for it's our job to just fight Footsteps echo as they pound the pavement, scoping up right then left One, two, three, the count of the enemy trigger finger sets Safety off moving silently into shooting position, breathe in All targets backs are a clear shot, remember these are bad men Sweat frozen on hot sweaty cheeks as cold ice fills my veins Tap, tap, tap three more rebels deceased totaling 10 for the day Bile fills my throat then erupts out of my mouth, death is its taste A sudden chill the feeling of being watched from somewhere somehow Knowing just seconds before the bullet enters and splatters my brain Just another marked man in this territory where we all die the same Written for poetry contest "This or That, Vol. 28" 10/19/2024 Hosted by: Edward Ibeh Title: In Marked Territory