Of pain, ghosts, and duty. |
OLIVE DRAB II For A1C Steve Faust, SGT Randy Carter, SGT Greg Colcun, and TSGT Hurcalano: casualties of an undeclared war on US Air Force Service Men, October - December 1987, Clark Air Base - Republic of the Philippines A Hero's call is a Siren that beckons Red lips dripping a poisoned sweetness Me a mist, a legacy decided in seconds. Each line, a story plowed Each line, a remnant of a person, time, or place Each furrow upon my face. Furrows deep, long and last Strata recordings of the past Like chlorophylled life's weathered rings Time and pressure's paving. By the beast poised to devour A road too often traveled Unfurled, telling us to cower. RAW fangs impale and hold Ringing up dark destinies before young grow old Afterward, blood and bone do occupy more space Recorded on my brow forever, your once smiling face. Furrows deep under green striped cammo masks Javelin light piercing the trees, light blood Spearing untested swollen faces, looking aghast. Furrows deep, my torment, my friends, my keep Resurface at times now fading to trouble my sleep Do not pity or drum the score Humanity must forgive That we who protect shall die no more. Until then, that call will come to others like us Should our gaze meet while passing by, accept from me Time's grooves of proud sorrow, my visual symphony. Then you will know, that I too fought As I "Dress Right Dress" into a squad of ghosts Like you, the coward's call is a call that I answered not. |