Onus

Dis-membered corpses leaking blood
into sodden, Asian mud
beside a gently flowing stream
cause my sleeping mind to scream

Huey choppers sliding by
in a dismal, rainy sky
spitting death at those below
take me where I should not go

Rooms of aging, shattered men
blending pain of now and then
dying, even as they share
the varied tales that brought them there

All of this creates a hole
wherein once dwelt a thriving soul
and there it festers day by day
slowly eating life away

but do not mourn or weep for me
for i am but a dream you see
save your prayers for soldiers now
who die for those who don't know how

and love the ones who do return
with limbs all torn and hearts that burn
give them honor that is due
for they have given much for you

C.  Lon  R.  Bruso