Take a quick look, could be my last.
Sent up a trail, tiptoed till the blast.
Thrown to ground, angel open my eyes.
black smoke swirling, mixed with cries.
Booby traps set, close to my chest,
Move slow to rise, I thought best.
NVA camp on crest of the hill,
Being point man is quite a thrill.
Stepping out, into the clearing.
Enemy contact, I was fearing.
Search the area, no one seen.
Path leading west, was also clean.
Medic, medic, heard from the rear,
Take the pain, face your fear.
Adrenaline spiked a mile high,
No pain from hole, thru my thigh.
Old Sergeant said, Take a quick look,
Not hearing young scout was all it took.
Three times pleading, The trail is hot.
Come from behind, you may not.
I felt my call was truley right,
Read the signs, their in plain sight.
Take a quick look, all he would say.
Knowing my odds, he must pay.
Pigman pledged, if I were to die,
He’d put a bullet, thru his right eye.
Dismissed the warning of danger near,
Tread on ground he thought was clear.
Step by step, blind from the blast,
Take a quick look, it was his last.
Sarge got medals, bravery and lost sight.
Leg patched Private, returned to fight.