Remember

REMEMBER


I've fought.
I've killed .
I've done my best
But now a crimson tide ebbes from my chest
To wet the grass and stain the ground
While stinging flies swarm all around
And man-made Hell tears at the sky
Heedlessly, while I lay and die
Cold,and alone
Half a world away from home.

Oh God!The PAIN!The PAIN! The PAIN!
Twists my body,sears my brain,
Gasping breath through gnashing teeth-
The hand I long to hold is out of reach.

Now the pain,the lonliness,the chaos,
All begin to fade
And I find-to my surprise
That I am not afraid.
Now the darkness geathers
I can no longer see.
My God,my Country
Remem...remember...

For Sp/5 Harry Schettler
KIA: 16 Sept 1970 Bien Hoa Prov.