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A Son Has Fallen

The battle is distant...and fading away
my senses are drowning.. i lay afraid
falling rain mingles with saltwater tears
the setting sun beckons dark-water fears

A feeling of rage welling up inside
going to explode.. can't run.. can't hide
wave the flag and fight for freedom
invisible dragons in this alien kingdom

Drifting between the present and past
flash-backs...snapping so fast
nineteen years and ninety-nine days,
march before me...thru this ghostly haze

I stare up.. into a spinning sky
so many questions.. why god why
can it be over.. i'm so far away
friends.. family.. i laughed.. i played

The smell of our kitchen.. on a holiday
drifts...thru the jungles damp decay
late night talks.. by the fires ashes
midnight screams.. my brain flashes

I cannot move.. i just lie here waiting
for another round of fighting and hating
nineteen years and ninety-nine days
sunny afternoons.. cartoon matinees.

Mother wakes me.. don't be late for school
reality shakes me.. in my bloody pool
if I could move.. i'd curl up and cry
heaven help me.. it's my time to die

My eyes jump open.. to catch the rain
i swallow hard.. to stop the pain
the hundred yard dash.. the winning medal
the sickening smash of flying metal

I've been good.. as far as I could tell
Mother.. why do good boys go to hell
nineteen years and ninety-nine days,
i end all alone.. in a confusing haze

Anne.. i wish I could reach your letter.
you asked how I'm doing.. i've been better
your perfume survived the heat and sweat
stirring memories I won't forget

this deadly day was sharp and brutal
i cling to my hope.. but know its futile
i'm spinning inside hells kaleidoscope
sprayed blood.. ripped flesh.. blunted steel

the sun has fallen,
and leaves no trace.
the rain and blood,
dance on his face.

nineteen years and one hundred days

a son has fallen,
in the mud he lays.

‘89

poem by George Vuyakovich
Added by Poetry Lover
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