THOUGHTS FOR A DYING SOLDIER

A distant cry, a soldier falls
One more young life's laid waste,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
It seems of blood to taste.

A distant whine, a shell explodes
In anguish men are screaming,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
He prays that he is dreaming.

A distant roar, a flame erupts
And death invades the morning,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
This is his last day dawning.

A distant twinge from shattered nerves
Is his body's only feeling,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
The life from him is stealing.

A distant thought as his mind turns
To loved ones far away.
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
He hopes for him they'll pray.

A distant light obscures his eyes
A glow that fills his mind,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
His life's last order's signed.

A distant voice cries out in grief
His time on earth is done,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
This was some mother's son.

A distant memory can war become
And lest we should forget,
As he lies with face pressed to the ground
We're lifelong in his debt.

A distant hope there'll come the day
When peace holds sway at last,
When soldiers' blood spilt on the ground
Is a sorrow of the past.

Copyright D M Pamment 2009