Unresolved

Laying in fear, clear objectives blurred

By confusion, noise all around

Sand, I feel each grain against my face

Dog trembling against me, head buried under my arm

Her body jumps with each round fired

The smell of sulphur, heat of barrel close to my skin

One next to us still, silent, dead I know

Metallic smell, blood, maybe me next, maybe not

Shouting, seeking where from, then quiet, waiting, sudden silence

Heavy breaths from around, hearts racing, adrenaline

Daring a glance at the rocks, the scrub, seeking knowledge

The body alongside jolts, the crack follows

Dog burrows deeper, a low whine

I feel joy then guilt, a fallen friend protects me even still

Then anger, revenge, hate of this, I seek answer

But nothing comes, this loss for what?

A stupid piece of land in a place I do not belong

My responsibility is clear, so I hide all of this inside me and gather wit

We access, regroup, move forward, overcome both angst and mission

And yet, there behind, awaiting our collection

Lay few friends, silent, lost, needing us

Gone from our forged family, torn from us

A phrase comes to mind, live by the sword, die by the sword

Easy to say but stupid words if this sharp blade takes your life

And so, we walk back, the least we can do, silent, mourning

I have mixed feelings of loss, love, anger, futility

Completely unresolved

Jan 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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