LEST WE FORGET 469 The Never-ending Battle An eerie silence cloaks the night. The world holds its breath, Waiting for the expected clamor Of a man whose past haunts him still. A sudden bang puts it all into action. A man falls into the dark abyss. With sheets of red blotching his vision, He tumbles helplessly to no apparent end. Canons sound in the distance, Paired with explosions of both triumph and loss. Yet the worst of all is overpowering; The sorrowful screams of comrades fallen. The air is thick with pain and smoke, Tears, dirt and the constant gunshot. He fears suffocation by the smothering closeness, And chokes again as he cries and falls. He is overwhelmed by pain and mourning That comes with the bravery, glory and courage. He wonders again of his beloved wife and son, And the knowledge that he may not return Pounds him once more. Thoughts of home flood his mind, Bringing hope and sadness all at once. He thinks of his son, toddling up to his father, And he cries as he lays on the ground bleeding. Amidst the noise he suddenly hears Feet pattering on the ground, And he knows that it must be imagined, When he feels small hands grip his shoulder. The smallest of nudges and shakes Pulls him up and away from the battlefield. He opens his eyes to glimpse his savior, And is surprised yet relieved to see the child. The most innocent voice breaks this newfound silence: “Grandpa, are you having bad dreams?” He answers his beautiful grandchild, “Yes sweetie, but you saved me.” Instead of the smile he had hoped to see, He received a grave look from the small girl. And as she took his hand she asked a simple question: “Grandpa, what is war?” ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"#$%!&!'($%!)*+,-.#/0!1-23-.2./! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!45.*2!&!6,/$7#!8-597#:/! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;<5-2/!)*+,-.#/0!'7(==#-!>5*2-57! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!8?@!!"#$%&!!!!!!!!!!65*=(A!!B3,-/=(A!!C!D!E!! !"#$%&'()$*+(,)-+(,)-./+(0123/! 1$$-#=.2#=!<-5F.=#-!G5-!H>'!&!;I)! J#2#-(*K/!1GG(.-/!&!8-.F(2#!)*/,-(*$#!87(*/! ! ! ! ! ! (((((((( ((((((((((((((((((((((( ((((((((((((((((((((((.4&5$674"#89&($'(:;7%66<(
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==