Nothing But Death

What lies ahead?

It’s nothing but death.

Death, Misery, and Sorrow.

As I lay,

Lifeless on this bed.

I dread what’s coming tomorrow.

All my life, I never imagined it would come to this.

I built this world around me, that I will surely miss.

I dearly dread what’s coming tomorrow. 

Words from them.

Expectations, Blessings, and Respect.

They can’t possibly fathom the horror.

“When you will return.

When it’s all said and done.

We’ll embrace a better tomorrow.

A tomorrow in which we’re together.

A tomorrow in which our kids are older.

A tomorrow in which the world is proud.

Go out there, but make sure you return.

 Return for a tomorrow, in which you’re still around.”

The words linger, 

But don’t protect, 

From what lies ahead.

It’s nothing but death.

“How long will you be gone?

When you return, Bring the toys you found.

In that distant, Foreign land, ahead.

Until then, Can we sleep on your bed?

Our beds are scary, and mom will be alone.

 We promise not to make a mess.”

Those eyes flicker.

The eyes that don’t get to see the dead.

Strewn around the battlefield, ridden with lead.

Those eyes twinkle.

But don’t reflect.

What lies ahead.

It’s nothing but death.

“Oh, you got drafted?

It’s time to make the country proud.

Fight like the man you are.

Endure, Kill those enemies from afar.

Stay safe, but don’t be afraid to stare.

Stare death in the eyes and Pray.

And when you return.

I’ll be proud to introduce you as my son.

 To all the men who are eternally afraid.”

 Those strong hands pressure my shoulder blades.

 But they won’t be around when I’m afraid.

 Afraid of what lies ahead.

 What lies ahead, 

 It’s nothing but death.

The night is still, 

The other side of the bed still warm.

Why is my side colder?

Why am I still, afraid?

A better tomorrow is gone.

I failed to return.

The war has been won.

The war against what lies ahead.

The toys were never found.

Maybe my old man is proud.

I wish I could reach out and touch her at her side of the bed.

Embrace her and quieten the sorrow.

Embrace her in a better tomorrow.

But I dove into what lies ahead.

What lay ahead.

Was, a right guess.

As I lay among the dead.

Ridden with lead.

It was nothing but death.

Nothing, But Death.