Terry D. Sutherland

DUSTOFF

In the early morning hours on the jungles steaming floor
A shot rings out in anger into a helicopter door
Return fire is rapid and the noise is a roar
The chopper blades are biting; the bird is off the floor
The dustoff is climbing, leaving blood and gore
Carrying its wounded soldiers to safety on the shore
The fire fight continues many kills have been scored
Dustoff returns in minutes; five more wounded board
The platoon’s numbers dwindle; those falling by the sword
Dustoff’s saga continues as five more dismount and another five will board