Grade 'A'

The title refers to one man's opinion, not an exam result ...

From high altitude four landed,

and each one knew the story.

A pilot was down, stranded,

in rebel territory …

No 'choppers' could be flown,

to ease the situation.

To pieces they'd be blown,

which caused top brass frustration.

No truck on pallet dropped,

on low level parachute.

The host craft would be stopped,

by fire on exit route.

All left to four brave guys,

to hike o'er rough terrain.

A party of small size,

most thought they were insane.

Pilot's homing beacon bid,

these special men to come.

Downed airman stayed well hid,

he'd ejected then walked some …

For miles the rescue squad,

followed stream and wood.

On steadily they'd plod,

stopping briefly when they could.

Throughout the day they strived,

to make it to the flyer.

When nightfall then arrived,

their efforts they took higher.

The leader raised his hand,

halting his small team.

On target as they'd planned,

they'd done it, it would seem.

In tree-line, pilot stood,

He told the team relieved.

'You getting here is good,

it's hard to be believed.'

Team leader shook his hand,

and said, 'We'll rest here first,

so you and my small band,

can eat and quench our thirst.'

They laid up through daylight,

each catching four hours sleep,

then travelled through the night,

when good pace they could keep.

The pilot was returned,

to fly another day.

In his memory was burned,

Special Forces were Grade 'A'

* * *

Author's Note

Unlike some of my military poetry this is fictional.

Reviews

[Maya Storm]

I'm laughing at the comment "The title refers to one man's opinion, not an exam result ..." because after reading the poem, that is an exam deserving of the A grade.

It is an extremely vivid poem. The lines are detailed and the images jump off the screen at me. It's as if I'm watching a war movie from the heroes point of view. I am very impressed.

Even though this piece is fictional, it still feels so real. You create a great imagery with your words. The rhyming scheme is fantastic and it flowed effortlessly.
Thanks for sharing.

[emmajoy]

Fictional or fact you still create a sense of reality, there's an admiration of action, of having been there. Your ability to rhyme is very endearing, I'm hopeless when it comes to meter, so truly admire your skill.

[SR Urie]

Hiya Tom,

Good rhyme and patterned prose. It's the rescue missions that you remember the most. Well done sir! BZ