(© 1994 Earl Carson)
Some shrapnel just knocked down a buddy of mine,
Tore a big, gaping hole in his chest;
His unfocused eyes are wide open and glazed,
No more will he face wartime’s test.
I can’t shield your eyes from that sun, my friend,
Or cushion your head from the ground;
I must fire my rifle while ammo holds out,
There are enemy troops all around.
You’re trying to speak with a half-hearted smile,
And it brings floods of tears to my eye;
For God only knows I can’t listen or help,
I must fire this rifle, or die.
We teamed up as buddies in boot camp, my friend,
We marched through the day and the night;
Then shipped out together to take on this job,
Wound up in one hell of a fight.
What will I say to your children back home,
And how can I talk to your wife?
What can I do for your mother and dad,
When I tell them how you lost your life?
Must cancel these thoughts for a while, my friend
And fight for this ground we are on;
For I can’t leave you here for the enemy troops,
Got to carry you out when they’re gone.
Incoming rounds shake the ground, Dear God,
And shrapnel screams loud through the air;
And I must rely on my faith in the Lord,
For, without Him it’s too much to bear.
So, rest now in peace, and I promise, my friend,
I’ll see you get back cross the foam;
And say “Adios�?to you there and then,
For in Heaven, you’ll find a new home.
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