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Like a tiny fish Escaping the jaws of a shark, He limps in, with Desperate relief and terror. His face, as dusty and grey As the room about him, With lamps for eyes Staring out of the gloom. Thunder booms above him, On and on, full of rage, And never ending. Screams and death reply. His wounded leg That slowly seems crimson Collapses like his soul Beneath him, in pain His voice, harsh from the cries Of battle, whispers “I will die here” and Latches onto a falling tear. He smells of blood and carrion, Human waste and April rain And gunpowder from the Gods Who purge this place. His bright eyes dim, Once so full of laughter, Youth, and Mary, Are now filled only with war. As brave as a lion With eagle’s wit, he finds Who can fear death when they’ve seen The death of life itself? He is just a tiny fish, Escaping the jaws of a mighty shark Ten thousand strong And ravenous.