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Author's Note: This poem is dedicated to Leo, who helped me cope. I saw it in his eyes.
As I sit in the dark fighting back the tears,
Remembering the past, remembering the fears,
I miss my buddies, friendships dear.
It's been so long, so many years.
We looked for the enemy wherever they might be;
We saw the side of war that most never see.
We were the infantry; we trained to be the best.
We had pride in our unit; we stood above the rest.
I remember my friend falJing; I still hear his screams.
I still see it after all these years, see it in my dreams.
I held him dose; medivac was on the way.
I could see death in his eyes; I didn't know what to say.
The world turned silent as I gently closed his eyes.
I wondered if when a soldier passes, do the angels cry?
As if he were a child, I carried him to the bird.
The medics took him from me; no one said a word.
The mission wasn't over; the enemy was close by.
There was no time to mourn, no time to cry.
Remembering the past, remembering the tears,
Sitting in the darkness, fighting back the tears.