Edward Ibeh Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

No Man Left Behind

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 March 3, 2021 at 8:15 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 March 3, 2021 at 9:43 AM Thank you so much, Constance:-) I'm glad this poem resonated with you!

Robert Lindley February 28, 2021 at 1:57 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 February 28, 2021 at 3:30 PM Thank you very much for the feedback and FAV, Rob:-) Most obliged.

L Milton Hankins February 24, 2021 at 11:12 AM Wow! This is a powerful piece of writing. Exceptionally moving. Edward Ibeh February 24, 2021 at 1:43 PM Thank you so much, L.Milton:-) I'm glad this resonated with you.

Linda Alice Fowler February 23, 2021 at 7:11 AM War is terrifying and as in your poem, 'I Care About You', these men and women count on one another. A lovely write of courage and honor. Linda Edward Ibeh February 23, 2021 at 10:09 AM Thank you very much, Linda:-) Agreed, these are truly heroic, honorable people who show courage under fire!

Rama Balasubramanian February 23, 2021 at 3:38 AM War scene, perfectly captured. It is not easy to watch friends die. Every soldier tries to save self and comerades. Great write. Take care, Rama Edward Ibeh February 23, 2021 at 4:07 AM Thanks so much, Rama:-) I'm pleased you liked this one. Have a wonderful day!