I have walked through the Valley of the Shadow of Death,

past the twin pillars of fire at the Gates of Hell, and descended into the depths of that Abyss.

There we have done battle with the Furies, some have fallen.

 

Words cannot express what it is like to hold a fallen comrade in your arms,

hear him call for his Mother, pray with him that God will take away the pain,

and listen as he begs you to take him home because he is cold.

 

Nor can mere words convey the emotions you experience as you watch the last breath of life leave the body,

see the eyes go cold and gray,

then feel the gentle whisper of the wind as the spirit departs the body.

 

I have avenged my fallen comrades.

The enemy has known true fear, and experienced the vicious taste of my wrath.

They have learned I will show no mercy. But it did not bring them back.

 

My experience has taught me two lessons; the first is that life is short and should be enjoyed;

the second is that Freedom is not free.

It is paid for with blood and the sacrifice of those who stand on the line and say nothing crosses me on my watch.

If you want past me you must go through me and I will not go quietly into the night.

 

Today I enjoy the beauty of a soft rain on a lazy afternoon.

I am grateful that God has allowed me to come home to be one of the “Returned”.

As you go your ways thank those who have served and if you have a moment take time to “Remember the Fallen”.

 

Thank you for sharing Gunny, there are some very profound statements you made with the experiences you had. I feel that your life has also made you a poet, you decided to share your work, and your self here with us, thank you. There is no better conflict poetry can be written, then by those who have been there, and you have left your record here for all.

Honored.

 

 

Thanks, Gunny. Very much!

Giving this a bump for this year.  

 

Remember the Fallen!

Thank you Gunny.

Remembering our Uncle Jeroid Merle Tate USMC, and all his Devil Dogs.