THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

His orders were given and those orders he obeyed.

The enemy lie just beyond the hills across the river they said.

As any good soldier he fixed bayonet and waded across,

Only thing on his mind was winning this battle regardless of sacrifice and loss.

Despite the blood stained waters and frigid cold air,

He marched on seeking the foe in his emotionless stare.

His hands did not tremble as he looked down the barrel of his gun to take the shot.

The were no drops of sweat from his brow as the enemy he did spot.

He placed his finger upon the trigger and a single shot fired,

But it was not the shot that he desired.

For this shot came from across the yonder hill and pierced his lung.

As he fell backwards his company launched into a forward run.

Thousands of shots were buzzing amidst him,

Several found their place beneath his hardened skin.

With blood oozing from within he now lay flat upon his back,

A medic passed by sticking him with a syrette of morphine from his supply pack.

With trembling hands and a bloody sweat dripping from his brow,

Surreal as it seems he knows where he’s heading now.

As the euphoria from the syrette sets in his thoughts wander of home,

Soon enough he’ll be there, yet sadly not alone.

His orders were given and those orders he obeyed.

Mercy on his soul and forgiveness of his sins were the final words he prayed.

-brad