Friendly Fire
The enemy is close, almost here -
Feeling trapped, filled with fear,
Men belly down in the jungle mire,
Trying to avoid the withering fire.
A giant steps, and steps again,
Supporting fire comes walking in.
A brief pause, then thunder and pain,
Leaves and branches fall like rain.
A number transposed or misheard,
In the excitement, a garbled word
Caused coordinates to be incorrect;
The air is filled with death and regret.
Charlie fades into the Green,
Dust-offs head for the bloody scene,
Hurrying forward to offer relief
From the carnage and rising grief.
Survivors wait and mentally damn
Another screwed-up day in the 'Nam.
© 3/19/2006 Thurman P. Woodfork
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