A WAR OF GENTLEMEN IN THE DESERT

One was German
and one was British -
both were wounded
and needed much care.

Carried to tents,
and tended by medics
Each realized
the other was there.....

Only a few inches
between one and the other,
a hand reached for his,
as if to a brother....

The morphine took over
and each fell asleep
still holding a hand
this comfort to keep....

One woke in the morning,
the other was gone
He asked: Where did he go?
and was told: He passed on.

The man's now in his 80s
his hair, white as snow
his steps are now feeble
and ever so slow -

He remembers the time
he was inches apart
from the enemy brother
he still holds in his heart.

©Copyright November 30, 2005 by Christina A. Sharik