Terry D. Sutherland

PATROL

The sergeant said “We march tonight
Paint your faces before the fight
Fill your canteens with drink
Tape dog tags so they don’t clink

“Clean the dirt from your rifle bore
Only eighteen rounds in each clip – no more
Carry two grenades on each side
Wear your helmet; synch the strap up tight

“Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em before we go
Don’t light up – they can see the glow
No talking in the ranks until we’re done
Watch my hand signals and flash of my gun

“I’ll carry smoke and direct artillery fire
You watch carefully for any trip wire
Remember no one is left behind
When the battle stops, I’ll give dustoff the sign”