War

The fog, thick!
The morning, damp.
Blood soaked earth.

A soldier’s camp.

Carrion birds high.
Death stained air.
Wounded warriors cry.
Stone cold faces

Void of fear!

Plumes of smoke.
Worm towards heaven.
Buttoned his cloak.
Sat around the fire.

Soldiers! Approximately seven.

Whiskey bottle passing.
Drowning their pain.
Anyone hungry? Asking.
Stirring the beans.

Reheating the grain.

From his pocket,
A letter retrieved.
Eyes, sunk ’n sockets.
Her perfumes faded!

Heart wrenched! Grieved!

Through the window
Watching, sobbing! Bereaved!
Assumed herself a widow.
Refusing to wave.

Now! Gone! Relieved!




Cozy little cottage.
Once was a home.
Favorite meal, pottage.
Evenings she’d make.

He wants some!

No love here!
Only the brave!
Life without care!
Inside they’re dead!

Awaiting the grave!

The Stillness fractured!
Balls of lead.
Blood vessels raptured!
Five fleeing soldiers!

Two shattered heads!



The pot overturned.
Whiskey bottle spilling.
Covertly they returned.
The enemy faction.

Making a killing!

‘T was once romantic
Dreaming of war.
Running! Freezing! Frantic!
Her letter lost.

He’s forever scarred!

Two souls stolen.
Death’s hideous grasp!
One leg, broken.
Twigs, they fashioned,

A makeshift cast.



Now five soldiers.
Just one musket.
Carried on shoulders.
Leg badly shattered!

Wayward sounding trumpet!

Safety yards away.
Enemies in pursuit.
Look! Guards! Hooray!
Last words spoke!

Enemy musket smoke!