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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.
Copyright © Emma Gregory | Year Posted 2009
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