The Day of the Snake

Hidden neath the ground mist
on a bed of mud and rice
a red snake in my trousers
biting once, then biting twice

I could feel the burning pain
I needed to shout out
but had to keep my silence
there's an enemy about

They taught me to conceal this pain
be strong, not think nor feel
yet only snake bites later
it's a very rotten deal

Reached down and took my belt off
then wrapped it round my thigh
pulled it tightly to my skin
fell back and wondered why

Only ten months earlier
my girlfriend sitting near
the radio was blasting
"Something Happening Here"

I wanted to cry "Medic"
but we'd been under fire
now hidden by this ground mist
pinned down things seeming dire

But still I had my weapon
a soldier on the ground
loaded cocked and ready
not making one small sound

We'll do what we've been sent to do
with intention to survive
just make it through another day
I have to stay alive.

The mist is getting thinner
I now can see the trees
and helmets popping out of fog
I'll soon be to my knees.

With an eagle's keenness
my eyes dart here, then there
my buddies all surround me
pointed rifles everywhere

Seemingly uncanny
the enemy is gone
not a single round is fired
on this southeast asian dawn.

I was carried back to camp
by Eddie, Phil and Greg
a venom running through my veins
a swollen purple leg

Doc shot me with some serum
I'll live to fight once more
to do what we've been sent to do
our country is at war

Freedom's just another word
for nothing left to lose
yet nothing is worth everything
when no one shoots at you.