The Chopper Poem by Sirpheno The Knight

As I slowly walked across the Landing-Zone,
I passed a stretcher placed on top of two sawhorses.
On it lay a young Marine, who looked to be about twenty.
I walked over to offer comfort as best I could.
As my combat wary eyes beheld the extent of the damage,
I looked around at the others Standing-By.
The look on their faces told me, they knew, as well as I.
There was nothing more we could do.
I didn't want to be there, I didn't want to see
the Pain and Suffering of this brave Defender-Of-Freedom.
I wanted to cower away. I wanted to pretend I wasn't there.
All I could think to do was extend my hand.
I took the small, bloody hand into my own.
This young Marine looked up at me, and said
Hi Capt. Thanks for stopping, I was feeling cold and alone.
Marine! I order you to Report for Guard-Duty
on the Gates-Of-Heaven!
She smiled at me.. Aye! Aye! Sir! ,
squeezed my hand and softly slipped away.
The Chopper has come to E-Vac her.
The Pilot does not know, His passenger is already...
Home.

'Lest we forget-Freedom is not Free.'