Watch and Listen
Watch and listen...
Plane approaches;
Parachute and airman
Fall.
Flames erupt
Around the aircraft;
None will make it home
At all.
~0~
Airman lands;
The watchers find him,
Briefly check
His codes and name.
Bloodstained clothing,
Wound extensive;
Hazardous and lethal
Game.
~0~
Little time
To tell his story;
May not reach his goal
Alive.
Must impart his vital message;
Does not know if he'll
Survive.
~0~
Back to barracks, team is waiting;
Watchers hope it's not
Too late.
Plan devised at senior level;
Risks too high
To calculate.
~0~
Briefcase lined with light explosives;
Team must pass
This weapon on.
Somber news
From barracks' medic;
Wound was too severe...
He's gone.
~0~
Watchers contemplate the mission;
Plane and crew, so swiftly
Lost.
Latest scheme
Has rising price tag;
Who can justify
The cost?
~0~
English airfield;
Squadron leader
Scans the skies
For missing plane.
Fellow pilots
Will not sleep
Until their friends
Are home again.
~0~
Watch and listen...
Wait in vain…
~0~
A/N: relates to events in "Operation Briefcase"