Insertion

Insertion

 

In the spring of life

In groups of six

Hard waiting

In the sauna of a tropical sun

Backs are bent

Under heavy loads

Shuffling feet

Awaiting fate unable to run

No talking now

Each is alone

Just memories

Of a wife, children, a mother

The thump thump

Of the birds

Coming in

The ferry to a hot LZ

Loading six each

With helping hands

Up away

Now cool air is drying

No time for tears

With bodies shaking

Stomachs churn

Wondering who will return

Tracers and rockets

Slam the field

Make ready

For the battle to come

The slicks to high

As each jump

Sharp pains

For feet, knees, and back

Falling to ground

Rotors churn air

Dust flying

Run for the safety of the trees

No breath for screaming

As weapons crack, explode

Bodies fall

In piles of bloody pieces

Firing and running

Fighting for life

Each other

Hoping to survive the terror

The battle fades

Gather dead friends

Send home

To a wife, a child, a mother