Firefight

Darkness hides the evil from ever being seen,

You had to of been there to know what I mean.

It only lasts a short time, only a year,

But a year is a life time when shared with fear.

As they open up you hit the ground,

You hear your buddy yell, a target’s been found.

The rains come fast driven by the winds,

The screams you hear are those of a friend.

Wounded and frightened you lay in the rain,

The rain will stop but not the pain.

You called for help; it’s on the way,

Your only wish now is that the clear skies stay.

You hear the blades their pitch so steady,

Your heart beats fast as your men get ready.

They hover low, you make a run for the door.

Without these birds we would lose the war.

You cradle your buddy, you cushion his head,

You cry to yourself as they tell you he’s dead.

You return to the world, you feel so alone,

Your buddy now rests in the Garden of Stone.

Michael D. Monfrooe

1986