49 lines

We ran you out of the building 

Threw you into a Humvee 

Drove you out of the city 

Into the desert

Where the medivac could land 

They were trying to shoot it down 

So the pilot wouldn't land 

Ryan was screaming into the radio 

We'll suppress their fire

 so land m**********r 

The round went through your throat 

You were bleeding out fast 

TJ was holding pressure to your wound

Me and Kuala were providing cover fire 

We didn't know where they were 

So we fired back into the city 

At ghosts and shadows 

Everyone else was back at the two buildings

Waiting for the airstrike they were to close to 

That the Lieutenant called in all the same 

Because they were pinned down by heavy fire

and were getting chewed up bad 

It was a f*****g miracle 

We got you out into the open

Without getting hit ourselves

The Medivac finally landed

You looked really bad 

White, ashen, sunken

Your eyes drifting away

I knew what that meant 

You died on the Medivac deck

I remember when I heard 

 a knife went through my chest

     I have never pulled out 

Why was it you 

and not me 

I'll never know 

Just fate I guess

But that's not good enough

 I'll never forget that day 

because I can't 

and I won't

Some things need to be carried 

Carried to the grave

Where you went

On that day 

Goodbye Marine 

My heart will always ache 

Over you 

 

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

you can gut a reader like no other person I know here at the cafe. it is why I keep reading you. You have my respect.
If only the rest of us could be real like this.

[Daniel Sala]

A touching lament, cold facts and reality, nice poem for a friend.

[Draven]

The effect of this shocking piece has silenced me, and I don't really know what to say. Honestly, there isn't much I can say... I truly am sorry for how your life has been. I cannot imagine...

[Ruth]

I can not say I know how it must feel love...but I can say, it takes courage to purge such sadness...thoughts to you x

[Mark]

Rending and powerful writing. I struggle with what to say about it except to thank you for sharing it.

[Cara]

it is really sad,sorry about it.

Why was it you

and not me

I'll never know
you know you can't blame yourself for their death, it will give you and them pain, but have hope that the didn't die for nothing,maybe there death helped to make the earth a better place ,remember that they might still be by your side, you can't see them but they live in your heart.

[Tom]

Perfectly rational to ponder and question your conscious as to why the cross-hairs of the sniper's rifle targeted your brave comrade and not you or your other colleagues, perhaps they did and providence, fate, divine intervention or simply luck, call it what you will, caused the firer to alter his aim and your buddy got it? Though no mortal can truthfully expect to know the answer!

You have penned an exemplary, courageous and dignified 49 lines of poignant poetry, concerning a tragic and extremely traumatic occurrence, honoring your dear friend's memory in the process!

Bravo Sir !

[ChikHaley64]

This really broke my heart. Brought tears to my eyes. I have several family members who are marines and I think about them everyday.

[rhythm&blues]

This is heartbreaking, so well written.

[Tai Ryens]

Nobody should ever have the misfortune to endure through such a difficult experience, and my heart breaks for those who have no choice but to endure it due to war. You've portrayed the moment in its intensity without having to get into details, and I say, well done to that. Keep writing, your pieces open up minds somewhere, Baby R.