Alexandra Culp

ALWAYS

They are staring at me.
Five sets of eyes looking my way.
There is Danny,
Always quick with a joke,
His mouth now set in a tight line.
Next to him is Steve,
Always nagging me to go running with him,
His strong body now sagging with defeat.
Then Alan,
My boss. My conscience. Always there with advice,
He is now at a loss for words.
And Eric,
My own soldier. Strong. Confident. Once ready to take charge,
He looks at me now so uncertain.
Last is Joe.
Laughing, smiling Joe.
His blue eyes now swimming in tears.
I know them all so well.
I will remember their names.
As I lay here on the ground before them,
The medics working at a furious pace,
My life draining,
My last thought is not will I live.
It is will they remember my name.