Semper Fi (For Lance Cpl. Jason J. Rother)
Kenneth Carroll
24 hours later, no one even noticed the absence
and the sun burns like america's ugly lies
40 hours later, it was almost as if you never existed
you wait for the sound of your marine brethren
running wildly into the desert, splitting the day with concern;
it is quiet, like mourners waiting for a funeral
the desert's eyes are beautiful like death
a vulture paints the searing sky
a presumptuous belief seasons your dreams
40 hours later, two pale faces converse:
"Hey jack, how many niggers went on patrol with us?"
"Huh. . ."
4 months later they find your remains
a baked jawbone marks the last leg of your journey into eternity
"He almost made it," remarks the marine search party
the vulture with deceit on his breath knows,
