The log

The log

 

 

 

I hadn't noticed the log before, it was just…there. Just lying there, doing nothing.

The sound of firecrackers going off was the first thing that came to mind, until a branch snapped or was it the dirt kicked up from the ground?

 

The log…it was there, like something that suddenly appeared; it was so far away.

Could I run to it in time or would I be better off running away from everything? (The log was only a few feet away, but it somehow seemed farther.)

 No I had to make it to the log.

Time stood still, frozen, for what seemed like minutes, but it was only a few seconds. I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe. My mind was moving at a thousand miles an hour, but everything else was caught in malaise.  

A breeze swept over me and carried the smell of the jungle and sulfur…the horribly beautiful smell of sulfur covered my soul and burned my eyes.

The taste of iron in my mouth…my heart beat…what’s wrong with my heart beat?

Suddenly the taste of dirt and rotting log filled my mouth…the sweet taste of dirt and rotting log. My mind now caught in the right pace as my training took over.

1.     Force the thirty round magazine in (only 28 rounds. The infantry knows why).

2.     Slap the bottom.

3.    Charge the bolt.

4.    Release the bolt catch.

5.     Forward assist.

6.     Selector switched to full auto.

7.     Find the target.

8.     Three round burst.

Found the glint of the barrel, fire…fire…fire. “Reloading” sounded from the left and right flanks. The center providing cover fire for the flanks. “Reloading” sounded from the center, as the flanks took up the cover fire.

Cease fire was called and the rifles lay silent. The deafening silence, not a sound was heard from a breath to the wildlife.  

No shots rang out as we slowly emerged from the cover of that log.

Smoke from our M16’s lay like a haze at ankle height across the ground. The smell of sulfur was heavy in the air. It filled our nostrils, and bathed us in timeless measure.

What happened to the one who fired the first shot at us? We never found out.

We picked up and made our way back to Honduras.

It was a just a land navigation error. One that anyone could have made in the jungles of Honduras and Nicaragua.

But the worst thing I remember...was the blood. It just soaked into the ground and never left a sign it was ever there. The jungle hides all its secrets.

 

Disclaimer:

This story never happened.

Author's Note

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

Well done, Ron. It grips the reader and tells the story in a very real fashion.

[ron]

Thank you KL. Like the disclaimer says...it never really happened.

[Lyn Anderson]

That doesn't mean the story doesn't sound real Ron, that's a good thing, not a bad thing.

[ron]

I know and thank you KL.
It's just a disclaimer I had to put in.

[AprilRN1210]

pretty vivid and powerful tale Ron..

oh and I love this song.. nice job...

few notes.. (just my opinion, for what it is worth)

"but it somehow seemed father."... did you mean "farther?"

"Time stood still, time just froze for what seemed like minutes, but it was only a few seconds."... used time twice here.. would reword, maybe.. ("Time stood still, frozen, for what seemed like minutes, but it was only a few seconds.")

"A breeze swept over me and carried the smell of the jungle and the smell of sulfur".. would cut out the second "the smell" here.. (A breeze swept over me and carried the smell of the jungle and sulfur..)

[ron]

Thank you April.
I will fix the typos...lol

[AprilRN1210]

you're welcome Ron.. glad I could help

[Vidya Bacchus]

Wow Red that was chilling and so very well written I could see the images in my mind. Another look into the world of a soldier told by a master storyteller for sure." One that anyone could have made in the "juggles" of Honduras and Nicaragua." I think you meant Jungles yes?

[ron]

Thank you Vidya...I'm not a master story teller but thank you.
Lol Ill fix the typo.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Oh hush you should never argue with me.I say you are so you are lol.You are welcome :)

[ron]

Thank you Vidya. But I fear that if I start believing I am a good or great writer it will go to my head ;)

[Vidya Bacchus]

Lol...oh you know I would never let that happen .I would tell you if you were getting a big head and you know I would :)

[ron]

I know you would Vidya, and that is why you are such a great friend.
But I can't allow myself that luxury. I like being humble, it gives me purpose.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Okay that is a very good policy :)

[ron]

Lol. its the most sane of policies ;)

[Vidya Bacchus]

True that but sanity is overated lol

[ron]

Maybe but its all I have.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Hmmm you hang out with me so your sanity is called into question lol

[ron]

It could never be called into question dear friend.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Lol what?Your sanity or mine?

[ron]

Yours.....

[Vidya Bacchus]

I readily admit to the fact that I am the mayor of crazy town.

[ron]

No your fine Vidya.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Okay if you say so :)