Mercy

A sad poem. We need more friends. More kindness.

                        Mercy

Young black man.
22 year old.
He sat alone and ate alone in the mess hall for many days.
I watched him and wondered why?

I knew great pain and understood his face and eyes.

I started to sit with him.
He said nothing for many meals.
Other Soldiers said he was crazy.

One morning at breakfast.
He looked at my eyes direct.
He told me.
"Some of the poor men were still alive at Death valley. They were still breathing.
Pieces of bodies speaking in a foreign language. I held so many of them. All I could do is listen."

His eyes filled with tears. He asked me.
"Was there any purpose for this war?"

I looked at his sad eyes. I told him.
"You did all you could. Mercy of someone hearing your last words allow the poor men to move to the next place with the vision a kind heart. Not the bloody s**t of war."

He got very quiet for a time. He whispered.
"All I see is death and blood in my dreams. I can't see any good in my life now. What can I do?'"

 I took him to Virginia beach. Not many people in the late months of winter.
I made him drink many long Island ice teas.
We drank till we could barely see anymore.

We wandered down to the Virginia shoreline.
He watched the Atlantic dance on the shore.

He turned to me. Asked me? "What the f**k are you trying to do to me?
Why don't you leave me alone?

I passed the whiskey to him.
I told him. "We have been lied to. No-body care if people live or die. We were just mercenaries for money and oil. Let's scream to the Gods. Lets scream into the wind. Tell the world to f-off. Then maybe we can find the mercy to forgive ourselves."

He gave me a big smile. Told me. "You are damn crazy."

He stood up and started to run down the ghostly night beach.
Screaming and crying.
He ran into the sea.
Yelling 'kill me, end my bloody life."

I swear I saw someone with him.
I tossed my wallet to the sand.
I went into the cold sea to get him.
He was waiting for me.

I wrapped my arms around him.
He smiles and told me. "I'm Okay.
I know I must forgive myself.

He turned and looked me in the eyes.
He whispered. "Thank you for the mercy of your friendship. No-one came when I was alone and afraid. I prayed for forgiveness. You forced me to face my life."

He looked at the morning sun rising from the east. Told me. "I'm done with the Army. I won't touch a gun or hurt another person."

A month later at the Greyhound bus station he was going home. I went to shake his hand. He grabbed me and gave me a bear hug. Kissed my forehead. He told me.
"Mama will heal me with her love. Baby sister will insure I'm alright. And I remember your face and what you gave me.  You gave mercy to a man in need."

                Coyote

Author's Note

Some stories reappear. This is a real story. War leave no winners. Just living casualty of what was done and must be learned to live with.

Reviews

[Cryingkate]

I vision the day, when two armies go to battle on the ground.
They drop their weapons and, mix themselves and be seated on the ground.
Anything they send from overhead to punish them all can only be done so many times.

Somewhere in the depth of man we finally say ENOUGH. When we finally see we serve each other and not divided nations,Man must come forth to man and not under a false umbrella of rule.

When we know our true strength and awake. There will be peace on earth.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope one day we can find peace. Soldiers, poor people in the way of war pay the price. The great cities of Asia and Africa are being destroyed. Millions are homeless. My wish for Christmas is we learn to send food, water and medicine. Begin the world healing.

[Cryingkate]

I heard that was done, however certain ones put up blocks barricades and cut off roads so it couldn't get through.

[Hayley]

Heart-felt, with so much pain. It is true, not just in war, but to move past anything, we need to forgive ourselves, and that can be the most daunting.
I love your stories, always will!

[WhiteWillow]

This piece moved me so. Still letting it all sink in. Thank you for your words of hope and human kindness.

[lei]

it leaves wound that's hard to heal.. that is war! this a beautiful story.

[Ian Faraway]

I LOVE this poem! For some reason, these words pop off the paper and I am envious of your talent to write such powerful poems. But I must ask, are these stories with true words spoken? Even if it was not, its still true on all accounts. If it was true, then I am utterly impressed by the wisdom of words to speak. J'adore!

[Remajakl]

this is a good story... :)

[Lina Grey]

Deep and true and excellent. I love your writing because I can tell it comes from your heart, and this is a perfect example. If only more people in this world could find it in their hearts to give mercy to a man in need. Thank you.

[~ Stefanie ~]

Wow this was absolutely great! I am new here on this website and this is the first piece of writing I have read. This was a great piece and I am glad that I started my time on here reading your work first :) So fantastic!

[Mary Fioratti]

Let me tell you: you are a great writer. And you know why, Coyote? Because you write with your heart. When we read your stories, we just do not read the words. We can see a scenario, the black man face. Your face. We can even "listen" the silence between you two. Your emotion is pouring in this story. What a wonderful story. And mostly because it is real. You were there.
Really, you are a great writer. I really enjoy reading your pieces.... you are one of a kind.
(((((hugs)))))
*Mary*

[Kesav Easwaran]

It is a great thing if war could make a 'man' out of it...mercy indeed heels...wonderful passage, Coyotte

[Bridget Murphy]

I loved this poem as well, it spoke the truth, you may defeat someone but all you ever get from it are dead lives and broken bones. This was a very beautiful poem!! Keep writing!!!:)