Stories

War

by Luis Carlos Montalván | Permalink
November 09, 2009

It is late

War consumes the mind,

Writing thinking feeling

Why can't I stop thinking?

How will this mess -- this terrible mess,

we're in unfold.

So many lies that have been told,

sacred lives that have been sold.

The confluence of truths and lies,

begets sweet justice

Shadows disappear in the sun

There will be nowhere to run

Madness

Assassins wielding knives,

Arabic screams

death it seems

But not this night,

a terrible struggle

a terrible terrible struggle

A jaw strike

Pain shoots in my back,

Hitting the ground

We wrestle forever and

for a moment

Pistol I must shoot the other

before he returns to help his brother

Mortally struck he screams,

I'm shocked that on his face are shattered dreams

The other continues to wrestle more,

All the future left in store

Suddenly, he rolls away,

Cannot move except to say,

"I need help."

Moving quickly warriors react

What brought on this near Christmas attack?

Moments and infinity

Comrades arrive...serendipity

Will these horrible thoughts ever stop?

About the Author

Former Army Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván served two tours in Iraq (2003-04 and 2005-06), leading cavalry elements and advisory teams. He contributed to the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment’s success in “Operation Restoring Rights” in Tal Afar in 2005 and participated in the American Enterprise Institute's Iraq Planning Group in 2007. His published work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Baltimore Sun, Military Times, NPR, the Huffington Post and Abu Dhabi TV among other media outlets. Montalván is a writer, freelance journalist and veteran’s advocate. He is presently completing dual Master's degrees in Journalism and Strategic Communications at Columbia University in New York City and is a member of the Council for Emerging National Security Affairs (CENSA). Luis is recovering from wounds sustained in combat and is co-founder of the humanitarian organization, Iraq Veterans' Refugee Aid Association (IVRAA).

Filed Under: Iraq, Poetry, Stories

Tags: poem