Monday, May 30, 2005

Memorial Day, 2005

Beyond the Wire

Beyond the wire
An awkward shadow dims the sand,
A twisted body,
Fallen with outstretched hand.

The last patrol
Returned, churning the night's quiet dust,
Leaving in the wire
A stain of blood to rust.

Six men went out
In search of new enemy mines;
Only five returned;
The sixth had found new lines.

As he crouched,
dark in the pale light of the moon,
A sentry saw him,
Ready, alas, too soon.

The silent night
Leapt with the shock of rifle fire -
Now his body lies
Alone, beyond the wire.



John Cromer Braun

My meager thanks could never be enough. May God bless the families of the men and women who've given their all for the sake of our freedom. And may God bless our troops who, even right this very moment, are putting their lives on the line.

No comments: