THE LIST GROWS SMALLER EACH YEAR

As combat veterans of war we have a list
Though it's not one of those bucket lists
Things that people want to do before dying

No our list is the names of those we trusted
Those very rare & brave individuals in life
Whom we have trusted with our very own life

We were at that place and time so long ago
Where we had learned that to survive in war
We had to trust our buddies with our lives

We were closer to them than our own brothers
They'd die for us as we would have for them
It is the greatest trust one can experience

Years later my own list of names becomes fewer
The ravages from time and illnesses increased
Each month or so another becomes ill or dies

The reality is someday it will be me as well
Knowing how these chemicals have affected us
It's foolish for me to think it won't get me

So each day and night I ask God to have mercy
For the names on my list from our war long ago
Grant them a miracle keeping death away longer

For they more than any I know deserve to live
They'd given every ounce of their being for us
I ask of you God if it be your will have mercy
 


© Terry Sasek - Always A Warrior - all rights reserved.

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