To War, To Death

With heavy heart I take my leave of her. My loves’ desperate screams pierce the still morn. To war I go and must not look back for fear of faltering. A duty to perform, a faceless enemy awaits. Like a young herd of cattle comrades huddle together. Seventeen and ashen faced their terror swells within. In my hand a cherished picture firmly clasped. There will be a time to let go, but it is not in this moment. The dust and smoke erupts on landing. My heart, racing so ferociously, might leap from my chest My weapon of slaughter cocked menacingly I run blind into this frenzy of hate. The executed collapse around me A steady tide of innocent blood saturates my leaden boots. A searing pain rips through my wearied body I surrender myself to the inevitable darkness. My spirit is extinguished now A crushing sense of unfulfillment envelopes me My love awaits an impossible reunion My fingers unfurl, memories to dust.