Thurman P. Woodfork

FRIENDLY FIRE

The enemy is closing and almost here,
The men are trapped and filled with fear –
Belly down in the jungle mire
Trying to avoid the withering fire.

Then, like a giant stepping, and stepping again,
Supporting fire comes walking in.
A brief pause, followed by thunder and pain,
Leaves and branches fall like rain.

A number transposed or misheard
In the excitement, or a garbled word
Caused coordinates to be incorrect,
Filling the air with death and regret.

Charlie soon melts back into the green,
And Dust-offs head for the bloody scene,
Hurrying forward to offer relief
From the carnage and rising grief.

The survivors wait and mentally damn
Another screwed up day in the Nam.

©Copyright March 19, 2006 by Thurman P. Woodfork