Soldier

The soldier laid upon the ground a solitary witness to recent events. About him the earth had been torn and broken. Branches hung limply from nearby shrubs. Sound lay quiet upon the hill, nothing stirred. The dust had settled and the sun was slowly sinking in a blaze of glory.

The weary soldier had been left behind, hidden amongst the crevices of some large nearby rocks. He was unable to stand on the remnants of what once were his feet. Voiceless, he lay in solitude wishing someone would stumble upon him. As darkness lowered its veil he wondered what fate held in store.

Night settled and the crickets began to sing their evening song. In the distance a long mournful train whistle could be heard echoing through the canyons.

The moon rose and cast his resting place in an otherworldly glow. All about him shadows danced and shimmered bringing to mind visions of beasts that flocked like carrion to fields of blood. Glowing red eyes passed him, nose to the ground but none picked up his scent.

As the evening passed the mantle of time to morning, droplets of dew began to collect on his skin and clothing. Bringing the chill of predawn. The soldier patiently waited upon the damp grown for the sun to rise and bring the warmth of a new day.


Gently he was lifted from his resting place and cradled by loving hands. In moments he was returned to a plastic box where is brethren awaited his return. He was home. Stored away to await tomorrow's imaginary battle.