a hard rain falls

[Cwilkens]

A Hard Rain Falls

0033 hrs a hard rain falls

the quad Zeon lights flicker to life
drives back the night
GRAVES REGISTRATIONS
throws open its vaults

100 flag draped warriors
lie at attention in the glare of the lights
each wrapped in his silver armor
waiting to go home

0117 hrs a hard rain falls

a small convoy of olive drab vehicles approaches
they motor through the west gate
Tan Son Nhut
two rain soaked jeeps in silhouette pass by

occupants apparitions in the night
Military Police
subdued
announced with pride low to the ground
fifth wheel fanfare retreats into the night

two five tons low-bye?s follow
stacked four wide by three deep
silver boxes pass row on row
onto the long wet lonely runway

0131 hrs a hard rain falls

flightline floods snap on
the loadmaster stands by
with his crew
a conveyor belt waits

one flag draped casket
rises into the dark cavern of the plane
another rises, another,
and another
follows the leader

0146 hrs a hard rain falls

a lonely honor guard
of young Khaki Knights
snaps to attention
perfect salutes rise into place
on command

rain slides off eight helmets
glossy and garish
reflecting the lights
red black white
716 MP
hiding tears that run down
grim and sorrowful face

0341 hrs a hard rain falls

the aircraft rises into the night
fallen Warriors
homeward bound
as a hard rain falls

cwilkens/ 716 MP BN/ Saigon/ 1967-68