Running, scrambling,
dodging bullets
foxhole to foxhole
camouflage khakis dusted in silt
a warm breeze
sun glances swaying palms
I can’t take notice
but glimpse my shiny,
up to code boots
as ordered by the Captain
Crest the hill
and there he is
A reflection
of myself
Painted in fear
Gaze for
one iota in time
triggers - - FIRE!
Hot lead thuds my chest
sends me aback
one barren,
fruitless tree to lean
Dog tags rattle
as I search out
precious photos
She will be sad
at my parting
as my children will
- - fatherless
Slam…
Then I watch myself
crumpled and alone at tree
one last expulsion
and I’m free
The subliminal umbilical cord
is not severed - - why?
I’m outside, rising...rising
inside my memories
floating…speed of light
furthering into life past
The fear is gone
…the light is welcoming
I follow
Stop…!
Sucking breath, gasping,
intense pounding of the heart
I fall back to reality
this was a dream
or was it?
Life and death
are such parallels
I see
death
was not accepting me
this time
…not this time
not this girl of seventeen
Just a dream
