Cries of War

As the last rays of sun fall upon my face,

A wind of brutal force blows upon my body,

Rain slamming against the window,

As inside a storm brews within.

Inside I am flooded with anguish filled memories,

Memories that come back with the storm that is inside and out.

A force of anguish, an army of shouts-

Of cries of pain, and of ringing gunshots!

A cry of pain and blood flows like rivers.

Dropping down into the mud,

I let out a grumble, a grief-filled grumble,

As I see that my brother-in-arms is not beside me,

Lost in battle- never to see victory again!

Dawn is coming over the hills, as I face a new day,

Another battle, another enemy of the same force.

I see this can be a very dangerous day.

I am sorry if I don't return home to you.

Flashes of light go past my dim tired eyes,

As I once more hear gunshots go past my ears.

I hold my gun through the pain,

As I feel the pain as my flesh is pierced by bullets.

A non-fatal blow, just enough to end my deployment.

My honor was driven away!

I was forced to leave my brothers.

I was sent home, they continued to fight.

I now faced a new enemy, unseen, but there.

The one I had to face every day.

The constant sound of rain against the window,

Brings me back to the present, away from the memories.

I rub my leg. It is an old and ever-present pain,

That serves for me to never forget.

I will never forget what it meant to serve.

My dog tags clink softly around my neck,

I hold them tightly, and I remember.