Wreck
They stumbled on it quite by chance,
And recognised it instantly.
They'd sought it several days ago;
No trace, no sight, no sound.
Here it was, tucked neatly
By the riverbank in undergrowth;
A craft designed to touch the sky,
Held fast on solid ground.
The ugly stains on jackets
Told why neither used his parachute;
Two dog tags found, removed
With gentle voice and gentle hand.
Then charges rigged, a timer set;
No witnesses, no evidence.
No grave, no stone; the final act
Which times of war demand.
~0~
A whispered prayer that those who mourned these men might understand...
~0~