Midnight in The Sand Box

Was digging through some old boxes and I found my journal from Desert Storm. I thought that it was mong lost. As I was reminiscing, I came across this little poem I had written before our first patrol at dawn.

 

The temperature drops in a matter of minutes

Leaving you cold where you stand

Restless am I, as I wait for sleep

But it never comes

 

I do not know what fate waits at dawn

I just know that I am afraid, but ready

Ready for what God has in store for me

Ready to fight for glory, for my family

For God and my country

 

Last night my prayers were interrupted

Sirens blaring their warning

Alerting us of imminent danger

Time to take cover

 

The enemy doesn’t know we are here

So we just watch the missiles fly over head

Knowing that our brothers in arms

Perhaps even close friends are in peril

 

I say a silent prayer for those in danger’s path

As I wait for the “all-clear”

The world closes in behind this mask

And at times, it is hard to breathe

 

Was never much for tight places

But I have learned to accept it

As I have learned to accept fate

The fate that every warrior must accept

 

Tonight, I think of my family

As I look at their pictures

The ends tattered

Because I keep them close always

 

I ask God to look over them

In my absence, and if it is his will

That I will return to them soon

For I miss them so

 

The sirens blare again, telling us all is clear

I remove the mask, and sigh

The night air feels much colder

But it is only because of the sweat

 

It is time for lights out

Time to rest if possible

The morning will come quick

And I must be ready

 

One last prayer

One last thought

One more day

One more night

Reviews

[Brianna Brie]

I say a silent prayer for those in danger's path
As I wait for the "all-clear"
The world closes in behind this mask
And at times, it is hard to breathe

When I hit this verse the fear and uncertainly of war became real to me. At least as real as one sitting in the comfort of their own home can feel. It is because of brave and caring souls like you that we can have relative peace in times like this. You are an inspiration to the American way of life. I just wish more people realized the sacrifices military men and women make are needful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and thanks for serving.

[closed account]

This was chilling,,, omg, I am so glad you survived that horrible war and are hear to share a glimpse into your world at that time.. How scary, I can't and don't want to imagine what it must of been like, every night like this poem.. Your gave a great description of that evening.

Thank you for all that you did and all your fellow men, congrats on celebrating LIFE!!!

best reagards..

Sandy Beaches