No Man Left Behind

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Beating a hasty retreat 
Infantry overwhelmed 
By a barrage 
Of unremitting enemy fire. 
Down goes
 One of the brotherhoods of war, 
Fatally wounded, 
Exsanguinating; 
Body riddled with bullets 
Coming fast and furious. 
Yet one intrepid infantryman 
Does the opposite;
 crawling through 
The blood-soaked battlefield 
Amid a volley of gunfire 
Whizzing past above his head. 
He's on a suicide mission, 
Determined to fulfill 
The "Leave No Man Behind" 
Code he swears by
"I knew you'd come back for me, Bobby," 
The last words 
Of his fellow infantryman, 
And lifelong friend. His corpse 
Dragged back through the mud 
As bullets fly inches above. 
He wasn't left behind.

ALL YOURS (Mar 3) Poetry Contest(Winner 1st Place)
Sponsored by Brian Strand
Date written: 02/22/2021

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Constance La France

Date: 3/3/2021 8:15:00 AM

Edward, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest with your wonderfully penned Narrative poem, so emotional, it truly touched my heart, well done _Constance

Edward Ibeh
Date: 3/3/2021 9:43:00 AM

Thank you so much, Constance:-) I'm glad this poem resonated with you!

Robert Lindley

Date: 2/28/2021 1:57:00 PM

I believe in any poet that can compose such a fine piece on war and death. Be it complete with truth, reality and realism of the brotherhood of soldiers. And what they must face in performance of their duties. A fav-- a gem.. God bless..

Edward Ibeh
Date: 2/28/2021 3:30:00 PM

Thank you very much for the feedback and FAV, Rob:-) Most obliged.