2004-08-02: 2:11 p.m.

Casualty of War

Crouched behind a wall with eyes wide open
Watching, scouting, scanning the fields
He plots an escape that wouldn’t succeed

For many days he had cowered in fear
Waiting, studying, begging the skies
To deliver the long awaited cavalry

As streaks of tears dry on his grimy face
Hoping, asking, imploring for safety
He kisses a photo with a silent prayer

Gripping his rusty rifle with grim resolve
Listening, feeling, sensing his enemies
Hesitantly, he crawls out in the open

But as he raises his head above the dirt
Looking, searching, hunting his foe
A trigger is released, piercing his head

Blood drenching his clothes, life leaves him dry
Gasping, choking, struggling for breath
He lay there dead; another casualty of war.