A WAR OF GENTLEMEN IN THE DESERT

One was German

and one was British -

both were wounded

and needed much care.

Carried to tents,

and tended by medics

Each realized

the other was there.....

Only a few inches

between one and the other,

a hand reached for his,

as if to a brother....

The morphine took over

and each fell asleep

still holding a hand

this comfort to keep....

One woke in the morning,

the other was gone

He asked: Where did he go?

and was told: He passed on.

The man's now in his 80s

his hair, white as snow

his steps are now feeble

and ever so slow -

He remembers the time

he was inches apart

from the enemy brother

he still holds in his heart.

©Copyright November 30, 2005 by Christina