His entire mission was lost
Crossing the hot desert sand
For nothing came this terrible cost
To a soldier from a foreign land

They arrived on the beach at first light
Six men all young but well trained
They knew they were in for a fight
But they were told there was much to be gained

The target was real and just
“Righteous” so they had been told
The intelligence is good you can trust
Their young doubting minds were unsold

Each soldier had been down this route
Sent hunting where no value was found
But duty has trump over doubt
So here they were boots on the ground

Ingress had been done trouble free
The compound was now within reach
The plan was made all six agree
Assignments were given to each

Nothing! Not a thing to be found
The target described was not there
Six men mired on enemy ground
They had entered a trap unaware

Flesh and bone was torn into bits
Pain and fear reaching their peak
Five were lost in this battle of wits
And for one his future turned bleak

Five boy’s dead five lives lost
One now crossing the hot desert sand
His mind slowly turning to frost
Was this sacrifice….duties demand?

DB Marsh