I Learned to Kill for You
A poem in appreciation of those who serve us in difficult times and situations.
(click: hear the voice behind the words)
I Learned to Kill for You
Just 19, I was ferried through the desert
in a copter. We worried that the eternal sands
of this enemy’s land would choke the intakes.
I had prepared for this,
sharpened my shooting eye,
learned to clean, assemble and disassemble,
mastered the correct hold
to choke the air intake of the enemy, to bring death.
Honed my physique,
fine tuned my body to pain,
practiced war games on the video screens,
bonded with these comrades
with whom I would shortly alight.
Now as we step onto the battle field
I am taken aback by the immediacy
of the enemy’s onslaught.
I had worried about how it would feel
the first time –
But found there was no time to feel – or think.
Instinct and reflex governed.
I simply killed for you.
Ray Brown
This poem is included in my book,
“I Have His Letters Still”, Poetry of Everyday Life.
Purchase on Amazon –http://tinyurl.com/RayBrownAmazon or purchase an autographed copy at http://poet-ray-brown.com. Thank you
Thank you……….A Vietnam Combat Veteran, 1968-69.
I am touched and honored by your service and your words. I do not know how to express my appreciation and thanks for your service.
Well crafted poem…conveys an aspect of the process of training well.
A powerful poem.
Thank you. I appreciative of your reading. Regards.