in plain sight

It seems like it was a life time ago,

I was only 19 and very far from home.

Scared to death but I would not show my fear,

Well placed rounds as the enemy came near.

I recall, calling for the Corpsman Gunny was hit,

Standing over him empting clip after clip.

Throwing grenades and popping off claymores,

It was Christmas morning and my first real taste of war.

That day I disobeyed orders a promise I had to keep,

I wouldn't leave them there in the sand for their final sleep.

Joe Joe and I made the decision the rest followed my orders,

We swept the city clearing the way with 60mm mortars.

Prior to this day I had seen Death many times but not like this,

It carries a certain smell it's something I will never miss.

To this day I can see each and every second of that night,

The battle is long over but the scars are in plain sight.