Our Lonely Death

by George Nolta

Poem


Metamorphosis of the Mind

by Shon Pernice

Prose


The Turret Guard

by Jack Tompkins

Sketch


Empty

by Michelle Pond

Photograph


Courage

by Jason Bartley

Poem


Crab Story

by William Perry

Prose


LAST REQUEST

By Fidel Ramos, Army

Writing Type: Poem

I carried him across my back, never knew his name.
Struggled two miles, across enemy-held terrain.
So weary, finally we had to stop and rest.
I leaned him against a tree, in this rainy, muddy mess.
I offered him a smoke, he murmured,
""Soon I'm going to die.""
Saw his blood-soaked clothes, closed his eyes and began to cry.
He refused to let me move him, begged me not to leave.
Told him I had no choice.
In desperation he grabbed and held my sleeve.
He'd taken massive wounds in this lousy, living hell.
Seeping from his body was death's sweet sickening smell.
His fading eyes sent a message and a plea.
Sadly, I understood what he was asking me.
I didn't want to think, just to get this last job done.
Slammed in the clip, raised my rifle, fired -
For him peace at last had come.

Notes: Pat Kranzow

Sergeant Mackey

by Dwight Jenkins

Poem


Combat Nursing

by Louise Eisenbrandt

Prose


Waves of Life

by Michele Johnson

Poem


Jamie and Roxy

by Richard Wangard

Prose


Empty

by Michelle Pond

Photograph


Retail Blues

by Lynn Norton

Poem