Poem: The Sniper

I write this for you

As I lie on the field

The enemy front is across

These trees are my shield

*

I hope this finds you

In good health and peace

My love to the kids

and all my kisses please

*

I love you so much

my heart aches

your soothing words

is all it takes

*

I miss your touch

your warmth, your smell

The thoughts of you

is what sees me through hell

*

The skirmish isn't over

Most of my men are dead

Wherever I see

The grass is stained red

*

I don't know how many

Enemies are there

I am thirsty and hungry

And I don't care

*

All I have left

I am afraid

Is my sniper rifle

And a knife blade

*

I look through the sight

Of my rifle's scope

A few rounds left

Are my only hope.

*

Smoke curls up

From across the hill

There is no wind

The air is still.

*

I spot the enemy soldier

Lying on a mount

My trigger finger tightens

And I start to count.

*

I am not known to

Stop or hesitate

But I saw something

That made me wait

*

He was also sprawled

With his head bowed

I could see him also writing

A letter to his beloved.

*

I put the gun away

And fade into the trees.

To finish his letter

I shall leave him in peace.

*

We are not enemies

Just pawns on a board

Tired and aching

To go home to their loved

*